Mapping out the future
Last summer, my parents and I took a drive to another state. A few hours into the trip, we took a wrong turn. But our trusty GPS pulled up a map of the area and got us back. It made me wonder: Who created maps in the first place? After some searching online, I learned that people who map out roads, mountains, oceans, and other places around the world are called cartographers.
What does a cartographer do?
Cartographers, also called mapmakers, study geographic information. They use this information to make maps of places around the world. Some of these maps are digital. They are often used in GPS. Other maps are printed in books. To do their work, cartographers put together information from many different places. They also use ground surveys (调查). Some do ground surveys themselves. Most cartographers, however, depend on surveyors for this important information. Surveyors collect information for mapmaking. They measure (测量) land, air space, and water areas.
What does it take to be a cartographer?
Most cartographers have a bachelor's degree. The degree might be in cartography, geography, or something similar. Students who are interested in becoming cartographers should learn as much as they can about geography. It also helps to take courses in math and computer science.
With the rise of computer-based tools such as GPS, cartographers need stronger computer skills than they did in the past.
___________
In the US, jobs for cartographers are expected to grow. This is due to the increasing use of maps in the armed forces. Also, digital maps have increasingly become a main part of GPS.
According to what I've read about cartographers, I'd say that their work is very important to a lot of people. Next time a map keeps me from getting lost, I'll be sure to thank a cartographer!
