Cartographer (QLD)

Education and Training:

To become a cartographer you usually have to complete a VET qualification in spatial information services or spatial science. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institutions for further information. You may be able to study through distance education.

Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have a degree with a major in cartography; mapping science; surveying; geographic, spatial or geospatial information systems; geographical, spatial or geospatial science; geography; or geomatics. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your QCE. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, biology, chemistry, physics, earth and environmental science, physical sciences and mathematics are normally required. Applicants may be required to attend an interview. A number of universities in Australia offer degrees in these areas. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Related Courses:

While the following courses are related to this occupation, they may not necessarily lead directly to employment, nor provide the most direct pathway to the occupation. Courses which provide preliminary or informal training, as well as those which provide additional job skills following initial qualifications may also be listed.

*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.

Employment Opportunities:

Cartographers work in many fields. Employment opportunities exist with tourist guide and street directory publishers, demographic marketing consultants, mining exploration companies, road mapping bodies, conservation authorities, emergency services, state or territory and federal topographical and geological mapping authorities, local councils, hydrographic charting offices, planning authorities, university departments, scientific research organisations and defence forces.

Some cartographers are self-employed or employed by private companies, performing contract work for the above organisations.

The increasing use of computerised geographic information systems means an increased demand for cartographers.