Cartographer
Collects, measures and interprets geographic information to create and update maps and charts.
Overview
Cartographers collect, measure, and interpret geographic information in order to create and update maps and charts for regional planning, education, and other purposes.
Where they work
- Engineering, Architectural and Survey firms
- Government departments
- Book publishers who publish maps
Work environment
You will work for 8 to 9 hours per day and for 5 to 6 days a week.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You can think logically
- You have good analytical skills
- You pay a lot of attention to details
- You have good communication skills
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 with Geography as one of the subjects.
- 2Complete Bachelor's degree in Cartography/Geography/Geomatics
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Diploma in Geographic Information System (GIS) which is the computer system cartographers use to store and analyze collected data
Alternative route 3
- 1Complete Bachelor's degree followed by Master's in an allied or related field.
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
This course is offered by the Department of Geography and Geo-informatics. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu
- Burdwan University, Bardhaman, West Bengal
- Indian Institute of Surveying and Mapping, Hyderabad, Telangana
- Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
- Maharaja Sayajirao University, Vadodara, Gujarat
- North Orissa University, Baripada, Odisha
- Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana
- Pandit Ravi Shankar Shukla University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, Karnataka
- Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Jharkhand
- Adamas University, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Spicer Adventist University, Pune, Maharashtra
- AISECT University, Hazaribagh, Jharkhand
- Amity University, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Apex University, Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Arunoday University, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh
Distance learning
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Intern
- 2Cartographer
- 3Senior Cartographer
Expected income
₹29,000 – ₹44,000 per month
As printed: approximately INR 29,000 to 30,000 per month, and INR 43,000 to 44,000 per month with 6 to 10 years' experience. These figures are taken from NCS and are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Archivist
Assembles, catalogues, preserves and manages valuable collections of historical information.
Technical Writer
Turns complex technical information into clear documentation, job-aids and user manuals.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Arts, Science.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to analysing.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Dr. R. Jaganathan — Professor and Head in the Department of Geography, University of Madras. He has graduated in BA (Geography), MSc (Applied Geography), PG Diploma (Ecology and Environment), PG Course (Hydrology) and Ph.D Geography (Earth Science). Students learn cartographic grammar and do laboratory work to get high-level skills in digital-mapping including web maps; cartography is an interesting career because it is a true blend of art, science, and technology, says the Professor.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 75 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://bit.ly/3YOP5LG
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
The card places Annamalai University in Chennai; the university is at Annamalai Nagar, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, and the location is corrected here.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.