Overview of Geography and Cartography

Geography is the study of physical and human-made features of the Earth as well as the relationships between them. It is an interdisciplinary field that combines the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. Cartography is the process and the product of creating maps, including data, analysis, research, editing, design, production and printing. Cartographers use data from aerial and satellite imagery, GPS receivers, and paper survey results in order to design digital and paper maps for a variety of purposes.

Career Opportunities Associated with Geography and Cartography

Having a degree in Geography and Cartography can lead to diverse career opportunities. Graduates may work in many different industries such as engineering, urban planning, transportation, surveying, film, and GIS. Other common job positions include cartographer, GIS analyst, geographic information technologist, geologist, demographics analyst and web mapping technologist. Many government agencies, including the National Parks Service, believe that the best way to protect and manage their resources is to hire geography and cartography experts.

Internship or Co-op Opportunities Related to Geography and Cartography

Many universities and colleges offer internship and co-op opportunities related to geography and cartography. These programs provide students with valuable hands-on experience working with real-world projects. Internships can help students explore career pathways and develop professional networks, while co-ops help students broaden their knowledge of the field and gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject. Both internships and co-ops can lead to valuable opportunities to gain job experience.

Specialized Tracks or Concentrations Within Geography and Cartography

Specialized tracks or concentrations within the field of geography and cartography include aerial photography, analytical cartography, geographical information systems (GIS), remote sensing, statistical analysis, and urban planning. A concentration in any of these areas can prepare students for a specialized career in mapping, analysis, or other related fields. Additionally, specialized tracks can provide students with the opportunity to gain certification as a GIS professional or in cartography.

How Geography and Cartography Prepares Students for Graduate Schools or Further Education?

Geography and cartography programs equip students with the skills needed for success in their graduate studies. These programs guide students on data analysis, research, and writing, preparing them for post-graduate studies. Students learn to work with GIS programming and data structures in order to create compelling visuals and maps and analyze complex data sets. Additionally, many graduate programs prefer students who are proficient in one or more specialized areas of geography and cartography.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Geography and Cartography

Artificial intelligence is being used to revolutionize geography and cartography by creating increasingly sophisticated maps. AI allows cartographers and researchers to generate detailed maps with intricate and accurate data in a fraction of the time that it would take to manually create a map. AI also has the potential to improve the accuracy of maps and could provide better analysis of geographic data sets. This could ultimately improve the speed and accuracy of decision making.

The Career Outlook for Geography and Cartography

The career outlook for geography and cartography is growing rapidly. Improved technology and techniques have made cartography a more efficient process, making it easier to create high-quality maps. The continued growth of the digital world has also spurred the demand for people who are knowledgeable in geographic information systems and digital mapmaking. People with geography and cartography degrees can expect a bright future with growing job prospects in numerous sectors.

Here are the top reported starting salaries for graduates in Geography and Cartography:

Illinois State University, Salary: $52,886

Park University, Salary: $51,761

Binghamton University, Salary: $50,425

Texas A & M University-College Station, Salary: $47,779

George Mason University, Salary: $46,150

Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College, Salary: $44,642

University of Maryland-College Park, Salary: $43,789

University of Washington-Seattle Campus, Salary: $43,618

University of Northern Iowa, Salary: $42,929

Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, Salary: $42,843

For privacy reasons, not all schools report the first year salaries for students who earned their bachelor’s degree in Geography and Cartography.