Cartographer Resume examples & templates

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Copyable Cartographer Resume examples

Kate adjusts her monitor brightness as she examines a recent satellite image of coastal erosion along the Florida panhandle. With a few practiced clicks, she overlays historical shoreline data, revealing a stark pattern that wouldn't be apparent to untrained eyes. "This section has receded 17 meters in just four years," she notes to her colleague. As a cartographer for an environmental consulting firm, Kate transforms complex spatial data into visual stories that drive decisions—sometimes with millions of dollars at stake.

Modern cartography bears little resemblance to the hand-drawn maps of previous generations. Today's map-makers blend GIS expertise, programming skills, and data analysis into a profession that's grown by nearly 35% since 2018. The explosion of location-based services and the integration of spatial analysis into fields from urban planning to epidemiology has transformed cartography from a niche specialty into an essential discipline. And with climate change accelerating geographical shifts worldwide, there's never been a time when our ability to accurately visualize and interpret spatial data has mattered more. The maps being created today will help shape how we understand—and respond to—our changing world tomorrow.

Junior Cartographer Resume Example

Tyler Reeves

Los Angeles, CA | (213) 555-0182 | treeves.maps@email.com | linkedin.com/in/tylerreevesmaps

Junior cartographer with GIS certification and practical experience creating digital and print maps for environmental research projects. Background combining technical geospatial skills with strong design sensibilities. Quick learner who thrives in collaborative settings while maintaining attention to detail needed for accurate spatial data visualization.

EXPERIENCE

Junior Cartographer – EcoMap Solutions, Los Angeles, CA (January 2023 – Present)

  • Create specialized topographic and thematic maps for 3 ongoing environmental assessment projects in Southern California
  • Gather and process spatial data from field collection teams, ensuring proper projection systems and metadata standards
  • Improved map production workflow, cutting turnaround time by 27% for urgent client requests
  • Collaborate with senior GIS analysts to implement standardized symbology across project deliverables

Cartography Intern – Pacific Northwest Research Institute, Portland, OR (June 2022 – December 2022)

  • Assisted in creating hiking trail maps for 12 regional parks, including elevation profiles and points of interest
  • Digitized historical maps using ArcGIS and Adobe Creative Suite for watershed management planning
  • Maintained spatial databases and performed quality checks on incoming GPS data
  • Participated in weekly team meetings to discuss project timelines and technical challenges

GIS Lab Assistant – University of Washington, Seattle, WA (September 2021 – May 2022)

  • Helped undergraduate students troubleshoot technical issues with ArcGIS software during lab sessions
  • Created tutorial materials demonstrating basic cartographic principles and spatial analysis techniques
  • Organized and cataloged the department’s collection of reference maps and spatial datasets

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science in Geography, University of Washington, Seattle, WA (2022)

Minor in Graphic Design | GPA: 3.7

Relevant Coursework: Intro to GIS, Advanced Cartographic Design, Remote Sensing, Spatial Database Management, Environmental Visualization

CERTIFICATIONS

ESRI ArcGIS Desktop Entry Certification (2022)
NASA ARSET Remote Sensing Training Certificate (2023)

SKILLS

  • Software: ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Avenza MAPublisher
  • Technical: Geospatial data processing, datum transformations, map projections, spatial analysis
  • Data: CSV, GeoJSON, KML, shapefiles, PostGIS, spatial SQL queries
  • Design: Map composition, color theory, typography, visual hierarchy
  • Field: Basic GPS data collection, ground truthing
  • Programming: Beginning Python for ArcGIS, HTML/CSS

PROJECTS

Wildfire Risk Assessment Maps (2022) – Created a series of maps visualizing wildfire vulnerability across three counties using vegetation, elevation, and historical fire data.

Interactive Campus Map (2021) – Developed a web-based interactive map of UW Seattle campus featuring accessibility features and sustainable transportation options.

Mid-level Cartographer Resume Example

Ethan Martinez

Seattle, WA | (206) 555-7841 | emartinez.maps@gmail.com | linkedin.com/in/ethanmartinez-carto

Versatile cartographer with 5+ years crafting precise geospatial visualizations for environmental planning, urban development, and emergency management sectors. Blend of technical mapping skills and creative design sensibilities with expertise in ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, and remote sensing data interpretation. Known for delivering clear, compelling maps that effectively communicate complex spatial relationships.

EXPERIENCE

Senior Cartographic Specialist | Northwest Geospatial Solutions | Seattle, WA | March 2021 – Present

  • Lead a team of 3 junior cartographers to produce 60+ custom maps annually for municipal and private clients
  • Redesigned company’s map template library, reducing production time by 31% while improving visual consistency
  • Created detailed flood risk assessment maps that helped secure $2.7M in FEMA funding for local mitigation projects
  • Developed custom Python scripts to automate repetitive GIS processes, saving ~12 hours weekly across the department
  • Serve as quality control lead for all client-facing deliverables, maintaining a 99.4% accuracy rate

GIS Technician / Cartographer | TerraSpatial Inc. | Portland, OR | July 2018 – February 2021

  • Produced thematic maps for environmental impact studies, land use planning, and transportation analysis
  • Collaborated with 5 environmental scientists to visualize water quality data across the Columbia River watershed
  • Integrated LiDAR and satellite imagery to create high-resolution terrain models for wildfire risk assessment
  • Pitched and implemented standardized metadata practices, improving data retrieval efficiency by 47%

Junior Cartographic Assistant (Part-time) | University of Washington Geography Dept | Seattle, WA | Sept 2017 – June 2018

  • Assisted faculty with preparation of maps and spatial data for research publications and grant proposals
  • Digitized historical maps of Seattle’s urban development from 1950-1980 for university archives
  • Helped develop instructional materials for introductory GIS courses (my first real experience with QGIS!)

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science, Geographic Information Science | University of Washington | 2017
Minor in Environmental Studies | GPA: 3.8

CERTIFICATIONS

  • GISP (Geographic Information Systems Professional) Certification | 2020
  • Esri ArcGIS Desktop Associate Certification | 2019
  • Remote Sensing and Digital Image Processing Certificate | Oregon State University | 2019

TECHNICAL SKILLS

  • GIS Software: ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, MapInfo, Global Mapper
  • Programming: Python (pandas, numpy, matplotlib), SQL, HTML/CSS basics
  • Data Sources: LiDAR, satellite imagery, census data, OpenStreetMap
  • Design: Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Inkscape, typography principles
  • Spatial Analysis: terrain modeling, network analysis, viewshed analysis, spatial statistics
  • Data Management: PostGIS, geodatabase design, metadata standards

PROJECTS & ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Created interactive web map of Seattle’s urban tree canopy that was featured in the city’s 2022 Climate Action Report
  • Presented “Effective Color Theory for Thematic Mapping” at the 2021 Northwest GIS User Conference
  • Volunteer cartographer for MapGive humanitarian mapping initiatives (2019-present)

Senior / Experienced Cartographer Resume Example

Thomas R. Cartwright

Denver, CO 80205 • (720) 555-8176 • tom.cartwright@emaildomain.com • linkedin.com/in/tomcartwright

Detail-oriented Cartographer with over 12 years of experience creating precise geospatial data visualizations and maps for environmental, urban planning, and federal agencies. Skilled in translating complex geographic information into accessible visual stories that support decision-making. Proven track record leading cartographic teams and implementing GIS solutions that reduced project completion time by 37% while maintaining exceptional accuracy standards.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Senior Cartographer | Rocky Mountain Geospatial, Denver, CO | Jan 2018 – Present

  • Lead team of 6 cartographers and GIS specialists on high-priority federal mapping projects with collective annual budget of $4.3M
  • Spearheaded migration from legacy mapping systems to ESRI ArcGIS Enterprise, increasing team productivity by 23% and reducing error rates by 16%
  • Created wildfire vulnerability assessment maps that helped Colorado Forest Service prioritize mitigation efforts, resulting in protection of 12,400+ acres
  • Developed custom Python scripts to automate repetitive mapping tasks, saving approximately 22 staff hours weekly
  • Serve as technical liaison between field researchers and visualization team, ensuring accurate representation of collected data

Cartographer | USGS Rocky Mountain Regional Office, Lakewood, CO | May 2014 – Dec 2017

  • Produced over 75 topographic maps and digital elevation models for government agencies and public use
  • Collaborated with hydrologists to create watershed analysis maps that identified 7 previously unknown groundwater contamination risk zones
  • Implemented quality control procedures that reduced revision requests by 31%
  • Trained 4 junior cartographers in advanced QGIS techniques and spatial data management
  • Updated USGS quadrangle maps using remote sensing data, LiDAR, and field verification techniques

GIS Specialist | Mountain States Environmental Consultants, Boulder, CO | Aug 2011 – Apr 2014

  • Created site analysis maps for environmental impact statements and remediation projects
  • Built custom geodatabases to track ecological monitoring sites across 4 western states
  • Assisted field teams with GPS data collection and spatial analysis of soil and water samples
  • Designed accessible public-facing maps for community meetings and regulatory documentation

EDUCATION

Master of Science, Geographic Information Science | University of Denver | 2011

Bachelor of Arts, Geography | University of Colorado Boulder | 2008

CERTIFICATIONS

GISP (Geographic Information Systems Professional) Certification, 2016
ESRI ArcGIS Desktop Professional Certification, 2015
Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry Specialist Certification, 2018

TECHNICAL SKILLS

  • ArcGIS (Desktop, Pro, Enterprise, Online)
  • QGIS, Global Mapper, Surfer
  • LiDAR data processing & interpretation
  • Python scripting for geospatial analysis
  • PostGIS and spatial database management
  • Adobe Illustrator & Photoshop for cartographic production
  • Drone mapping & photogrammetry
  • Remote sensing data analysis
  • GPS data collection & management
  • Digital elevation modeling
  • 3D terrain visualization

FIELD EXPERIENCE

Wilderness First Responder Certified (current)
Completed 87+ days of field data collection in remote mountain environments
Experienced with vehicle-mounted LiDAR systems and mobile mapping units

How to Write a Cartographer Resume

Breaking into the cartography field—or moving up in it—starts with a well-crafted resume that showcases your technical skills, experience with geographic data, and eye for detail. I've written hundreds of resumes for mapping professionals at all career stages, and I've seen firsthand what gets hiring managers' attention in this specialized field. Let me walk you through creating a resume that'll put your cartography career on the map (sorry, couldn't resist).

Resume Structure and Format

Cartographers are visual people who understand the importance of clear presentation. Your resume should reflect this sensibility:

  • Keep your resume to 1-2 pages (1 page for those with under 5 years of experience)
  • Use clean, readable fonts like Calibri, Arial, or Georgia at 10-12pt size
  • Include clear section headings with adequate white space
  • Save and send as a PDF to preserve formatting
  • Skip the fancy graphics or complex layouts—they often confuse ATS systems
Map your resume like you would a professional project: with clarity, purpose, and the end-user (hiring manager) in mind. Even the most technically skilled cartographers get overlooked when their resumes are cluttered or disorganized.

Profile/Summary Section

Your professional summary should be a 3-4 sentence snapshot of your cartographic expertise:

  • Lead with your professional identity ("GIS Cartographer with 6+ years creating interactive web maps")
  • Mention your core technical skills (software, programming languages, etc.)
  • Include 1-2 key accomplishments with concrete results
  • Tailor this section for each job application, highlighting relevant experience

Professional Experience

This section carries the most weight. For each position, include:

  • Company name, location, your title, and dates (month/year)
  • 4-6 bullet points describing your responsibilities and achievements
  • Specific projects with quantifiable results ("Created 37 custom thematic maps for county-wide watershed analysis, reducing processing time by 42%")
  • Technical skills used in each role ("Utilized QGIS and Python to automate contour generation from LiDAR data")

Frame your experience in terms of problems solved rather than just tasks completed. Did you improve data accuracy? Streamline mapping workflows? Create visualization solutions that helped decision-makers?

Education and Certifications

Cartography often requires specialized education:

  • List degrees in reverse chronological order with major, institution, and graduation year
  • Include relevant certifications like GISP (Geographic Information Systems Professional)
  • Mention specialized training in technologies like ESRI, QGIS, or MapBox
  • For recent grads: list relevant coursework and GIS/cartography projects

Technical Skills Section

Create a dedicated section for your technical toolkit:

  • GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS, MapInfo)
  • Programming languages (Python, JavaScript, R)
  • Database systems (PostGIS, SQL)
  • Web mapping tools (Leaflet, OpenLayers, Mapbox GL)
  • Design software (Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop)
  • Remote sensing and data collection tools

Keywords and ATS Tips

Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems that scan for specific terms. Review job descriptions carefully and incorporate relevant keywords naturally throughout your resume. Common keywords include:

  • Geospatial analysis
  • Spatial data management
  • Thematic mapping
  • Topographic mapping
  • Geodatabases
  • Coordinate systems
  • Cartographic design

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Being too generic about technical skills ("proficient in GIS" vs. "created custom Python scripts to automate repetitive GIS workflows")
  • Forgetting to highlight cartographic design skills alongside technical abilities
  • Omitting project details that demonstrate problem-solving abilities
  • Using jargon without explaining its relevance to business outcomes

Before/After Example

Before: "Responsible for creating maps using ArcGIS."

After: "Designed 15+ interactive watershed maps using ArcGIS Pro that helped county officials identify at-risk areas, resulting in targeted infrastructure improvements and a $285K grant for flood mitigation."

The difference? The improved version shows specific impact and connects technical work to real-world outcomes. Your cartography skills tell stories through maps—make sure your resume tells your professional story just as effectively.

Soft skills for your Cartographer resume

  • Cross-functional collaboration – particularly with GIS specialists, data analysts, and field researchers
  • Visual communication skills to translate complex spatial relationships into understandable formats
  • Patience for meticulous detail work (I once spent 3 weeks correcting elevation contours for a municipal flood plain project)
  • Project management abilities, including coordinating timelines with surveying teams
  • Client consultation skills to clarify mapping requirements and deliverables
  • Adaptability when working with varying data quality and incomplete source materials

Hard skills for your Cartographer resume

  • ArcGIS Pro/Desktop proficiency with 5+ years of experience in spatial analysis and database management
  • QGIS and open-source geospatial tools for cross-platform mapping projects
  • Python scripting for automating cartographic workflows (matplotlib, GeoPandas)
  • Remote sensing data processing using ERDAS Imagine and ENVI
  • LiDAR point cloud manipulation and terrain modeling
  • PostGIS/PostgreSQL database design and spatial SQL queries
  • Adobe Illustrator for high-quality map finishing and publication-ready graphics
  • Web mapping applications with Leaflet.js and MapBox GL
  • GPS field data collection and ground truthing techniques