How to Be Oceanic Cartographer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 24, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The ability to accurately map the vast depths of the oceans has always been a difficult task for cartographers. Going beyond the limits of traditional charts and exploring the unknown requires an immense amount of knowledge, skill, and technology. With the advancements in sonar, satellite imaging, and navigation systems, Oceanic Cartographers are now able to measure and map the ocean floor with more accuracy than ever before.

This is allowing them to gain a better understanding of the complex oceanic environment and its effects on areas such as climate, fishing, and shipping. With this newfound knowledge, Oceanic Cartographers are able to help create safer maritime routes, promote sustainable fishing practices, and help protect fragile oceanic ecosystems.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a degree in geography, cartography, oceanography, or a related field. A Bachelors degree is the minimum requirement to become an Oceanic Cartographer, and a Masters degree is preferred.
Gain experience in cartography. You can do this by interning with cartographers or by taking on cartographic projects for companies or organizations.
Develop your skills in computer-aided design (CAD) software, such as ArcGIS and AutoCAD. This software is used to create maps and charts that are used to produce nautical charts.
Become familiar with the conventions and standards of nautical charting. This includes understanding the conventions of symbols and shading used to depict features on a nautical chart.
Develop your skills in research and data collection. Oceanic Cartographers must be able to collect and analyze data from various sources, including satellite imagery, aerial photographs, and field observations.
Obtain certification as an Oceanic Cartographer from the National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA). This certification is required to produce legal nautical charts.
Apply for jobs as an Oceanic Cartographer. You can search for job openings on job boards, such as Monster or Indeed, or you can contact employers directly.

The key to becoming a skilled and capable Oceanic Cartographer is to have the right knowledge, experience, and resources. Having the right knowledge involves understanding oceanography and the principles of cartography. Experience comes from hands-on fieldwork, researching, and mapmaking.

Having the necessary resources includes access to the latest technological equipment, such as satellite imagery and geographic information systems (GIS). With these elements in place, a cartographer can accurately map the ocean environment and produce useful maps for navigation and resource management. The end result of this combination of knowledge, experience, and resources is a highly skilled and capable Oceanic Cartographer.

You may want to check Coastal Wetland Scientist, Marine Biochemist, and Marine Conservation Officer for alternative.

Job Description

Develop and maintain maps and charts of the Earth's oceans and seas.
Collect, analyze, and interpret oceanographic data.
Create and maintain databases of oceanographic information.
Prepare and review reports on oceanographic research findings.
Utilize Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and computer cartography software to develop maps and charts.
Monitor oceanographic data collection sites and instrumentation.
Conduct field surveys and collect data to produce maps and charts.
Monitor changes in the ocean environment to ensure accuracy of charts and maps.
Integrate oceanographic data from multiple sources into maps and charts.
Present research findings at conferences and meetings.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of geographic principles, theories, and techniques.
Ability to create detailed maps and charts.
Ability to interpret satellite images, aerial photographs, and other data sources.
Knowledge of cartographic principles and software programs.
Ability to use geographic information systems (GIS) software.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
Understanding of the global climate, ocean currents, and plate tectonics.
Knowledge of oceanic terrain and marine life.
Ability to use computer-aided design (CAD) programs.
Ability to prepare reports and present data in an understandable format.

The ability to analyze data and interpret geographical information is essential for any successful Oceanic Cartographer. Without the ability to interpret data, a cartographer would have difficulty accurately mapping the terrain and coastlines of an oceanic region. The ability to analyze data helps cartographers identify patterns, trends, and correlations in the geography that can inform their map-making decisions.

In addition, the cartographer must be able to accurately visualize terrain and coastal features in order to accurately map them. This requires a strong visualization skill set, which includes knowledge of topography, bathymetry, and other relevant aspects of oceanic geography. Finally, being able to communicate effectively with other professionals is essential for successful collaboration in the field.

Good communication skills enable the cartographer to explain their decisions and ensure that everyone is working together to produce the most accurate and up-to-date mapping product possible.

Ocean Conservation Officer, Ocean Liner Captain, and Oceanic Ecologist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in oceanic cartography?
What methods do you use to collect data for oceanic cartography?
How do you ensure accuracy when creating maps of the ocean?
What challenges have you faced while working on oceanic cartography projects?
How do you stay up to date on the latest technology and software used in oceanic cartography?
Are you familiar with GIS systems and their applications to oceanic cartography?
What processes do you follow when analyzing data for oceanic cartography?
How do you confirm the accuracy of your maps?
Describe an instance where you successfully overcame an obstacle when working on an oceanic cartography project.
What techniques do you use to ensure that maps are easy to read and interpret?

Common Tools in Industry

GIS Software. A computer mapping software used to create and manage geographic information, such as maps and datasets. (eg: ArcGIS, QGIS)
Cartography Software. Specialized software used to produce maps with accurate geographic information. (eg: Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW)
Vector Graphics Software. Computer software used to create and edit vector images, which are composed of shapes, lines, and points. (eg: Inkscape, Adobe Photoshop)
Digital Image Processing Software. Specialized software used to process and analyze digital images. (eg: ImageJ, Pixlr)
Geospatial Analysis Software. Computer software used to analyze geographic data and create maps. (eg: GeoDa, ArcGIS Pro)
Ocean Modeling Software. Specialized software used to simulate ocean conditions such as water temperature, salinity, currents, and more. (eg: ROMS, COAWST)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Congress on Surveying and Mapping (ACSM)
The International Cartographic Association (ICA)
The Society of Cartographers (SoC)
International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS)
Association of American Geographers (AAG)
International Association of Marine Aides (IAMA)
International Hydrographic Organization (IHO)
Geographic Information Systems Professional Organization (GISP)
World Ocean Council (WOC)
International Cartographic Society (ICS)

We also have Ocean Resource Manager, Oceanographic Instrumentation Technician, and Marine Equipment Operator jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Cartography. the science or practice of drawing maps.
Geography. the study of the physical features of the Earth and its atmosphere, and of human activity as it affects and is affected by these, including the distribution of populations and resources.
Map projection. a way of representing the surface of a sphere or other three-dimensional body on a two-dimensional plane.
Geographic Information System (GIS). a computer system used to study, analyze, and store geographic data.
Remote Sensing. the use of aerial and satellite-based sensors to observe the Earth from a distance.
Hydrography. the scientific study of bodies of water, their properties, and their relationship to the environment.
Topography. the study of the surface features of land, especially in terms of elevation, slope, and orientation.
Oceanography. the scientific study of the oceans and oceanic processes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Oceanic Cartographer?

Oceanic Cartographer is a web-based mapping tool used to explore and visualize ocean data.

What types of data can be viewed with Oceanic Cartographer?

Oceanic Cartographer supports the visualisation of multiple types of ocean data, including bathymetry, seismic surveys, and marine protected areas.

What platforms is Oceanic Cartographer available on?

Oceanic Cartographer is available as a web application and compatible with web browsers on desktop and mobile devices.

What organizations are involved in the development of Oceanic Cartographer?

Oceanic Cartographer is developed by a consortium of partners, including the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the European Union's Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service (CMEMS), and the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES).

What features does Oceanic Cartographer provide?

Oceanic Cartographer provides a range of features, including interactive maps, 3D visualisations, and the ability to overlay and compare different types of data.