Employment of cartographers and photogrammetrists is expected to grow 22 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations.
Increasing use of maps for national security and local government planning will fuel most of the growth. Cartographers and photogrammetrists will be needed to ensure the reliability and accuracy of maps produced and updated.
Cartographers are also being asked to incorporate into the maps they make the data gathered from social media and Internet technologies.
In addition to openings from growth, job openings will arise from the need to replace workers who retire or leave the occupation. Many cartographers are approaching retirement age.
Cartographers primarily will be needed to visualize spatial information and design the final presentation of information for clients.
Photogrammetrists should have excellent opportunities, because of the limited number of college graduates receiving degrees in this field.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition