• Read descriptions in work orders and notes on files to learn about new projects and understand the purpose and type of mapping work requested. (1)
• Read memos and e-mail from supervisors, co-workers and clients. For example, they read to learn about changes to work-in-progress such as new data which must be incorporated into mapping projects. (2)
• Read trade publications such as Imaging Notes and Directions Magazine to learn about industry-wide trends, changes and technological advancements to apply to their work. For example, they read articles on recently-developed software enhancements that may save them time on future projects. (3)
• Read reports and contracts when preparing for new projects to understand how finished products will meet clients' objectives, learn about new mapping topics and to identify the challenges which staff encountered on similar projects. They may read research reports to understand how the mapping process works, and what the product will need to capture. For example, technicians and technologists who map demographic data may read census reports outlining growth predictions for municipalities. (4)
• May read articles in journals such as Cartographica, Geomatica and Journal of Remote Sensing to extract formulas, procedures, and data collection methodologies for use in course of their work. They may also read case studies to learn how mapping technologies were used to solve problems and gather ideas and approaches to new projects. (4)

• Scan lists to locate information necessary to proceed on projects, such as data sets, maps and project files. (1)
• Scan project schedules to identify timelines and tasks they have been assigned. (2)
• Scan a variety of forms such as client requests, work authorizations and reports for information about new jobs. They extract information such as dates, job specifications and references to data which must be used. (2)
• Enter information on forms to order materials from suppliers and record project tracking data such as hours worked and tasks accomplished to date. For example, they enter their hours worked on dockets and schedules. GIS technicians may complete order forms to purchase satellite imagery from Canadian distributors. (2)
• Interpret graphs when manipulating and analyzing data. For example, GIS technicians mapping land use classification may review bar or line graphs that display traffic counts and other land use data. They may extract disease occurrence rates from histograms for the purpose of mapping disease distribution across a geographical area. They interpret histograms in computer software showing tonal or colour density when making colour, grey-scale, or other adjustments. (4)
• Locate topographical and built features in remote sensing imagery such as aerial photographs and satellite images to gain understanding of landscapes. They evaluate the quality of imagery, verify land use classifications against field survey data, and take on-screen measurements to confirm distances and elevations. (4)
• Compare features on previous versions of maps and scale drawings. They compare previous versions to work requests, analyze new data, take measurements, make notes and sketch directly on outdated map versions to indicate where changes are required. (4)

• Write notes in job files to record work accomplished to date and to remind themselves of what to work on next. (1)
• Compose e-mail to clients, co-workers and supervisors. For example, they request supplementary data or ask questions to clarify job requirements. (2)
• Write job reports describing completed work. They record clients' original specifications, software used, data processing required and all other aspects of the work carried out. They note problems encountered and detail the solutions used to overcome them. (3)
• May write procedures for creating particular mapping products. They provide detailed and lengthy instructions, including technical information on software applications. (4)

• Monitor the hours they work on tasks and projects to ensure they coincide with project allotments. (1)
• May determine work schedules for technicians involved in projects they manage. They identify, sequence and assign job tasks, track hours and make adjustments to accommodate changes to projects' timelines. (3)
• May create budgets for small mapping projects, including costs for source data and staff time. For example, cartographers may determine budgets for new mapping products and monitor project costs and make adjustments to ensure they stay within budget. (3)

• Tally the number of like objects that appear on maps. For example, aeronautical cartographers may count the number of aerodromes in a geographic region. Geographical information system technicians may count numbers of built features such as highways and utility lines. (1)
• Convert between longitude and latitude coordinates and other formats, including decimal degrees and geographic positioning system coordinates. They usually employ computer software to make conversions. (2)
• Identify appropriate scales for maps. They maximize the size of the features they want to display given the size of the paper to determine required scales. (2)
• Calculate areas and perimeters of large, irregular geographic divisions such as sections of forests and flood plains on digital maps. For example, they may calculate areas covered by tree stands when mapping land use classification. (4)
• Locate the centre points of geographical areas being studied. They draw a box to define outer dimensions of areas and intersecting lines from corners of the box to determine centre points. They express geographical locations as latitude and longitude coordinates and in Universal Transverse Mercator notation, converting frequently between the two. (4)

• Compare geographic coordinates, elevations, distances, and the relationship between these on newly created maps, They compare newly mapped information with source data and older versions of maps. They cross-check all numerical values to ensure new and updated maps are accurate. (3)
• Sort and compare features and thematic information displayed on maps. For example, mapping technologists who work in land use classification may calculate the average widths of buffer zones between proposed highways and lakes, and express specific land usages as fractions of all lands available. (3)
• Interpret error readings generated by computer software programs to identify whether data entered is within acceptable ranges and whether adjustments or corrections are required. For example, they monitor error readings which tell them how accurate they have been in assigning location coordinates to satellite imagery and aerial photographs. (3)

• Estimate the time required to analyze and process data for mapping projects. They consider the quantity of data and the complexity of processing requirements. (2)
• Estimate distances between points and dimensions of objects using photographs and radar images. (2)
• May estimate numbers of technicians needed to carry out projects. They consider projects' specifications, timelines, types of data and collection methods required. (3)
• Estimate the number of products that will need to be updated when they receive new source data. They use their knowledge of map catalogues and understanding of which products are constructed using the same data sets to determine what needs to be updated simultaneously. (3)

• Discuss products' technical specifications and pricing with suppliers and service providers. For example, photogrammetric technicians may order source data such as satellite images and aerial photographs from suppliers. (1)
• Talk over the telephone with customer service representatives from software help lines to seek assistance using specialized software. For example, they ask for instructions or clarification in using software for unique or unusual mapping applications. (2)
• Discuss all aspects of cartographic projects with clients and supervisors. For example, they discuss projects' requirements and timelines, confirm which source data is to be collected and analyzed, and may request new or better quality data to meet project objectives. (2)
• Consult programmers about modifying or adapting mapping software. They describe data processing requirements to the programmers, review detailed technical specifications and discuss data processing approaches and methods. (2)
• Interact with co-workers to seek advice, coordinate work activities and discuss quality concerns. They ask questions to learn how to approach tasks and confer on establish timelines and workflow for large-scale projects. They also discuss errors encountered on each others' work as part of on-going quality control processes and may assign project tasks to other technicians or technologists. (3)
• May present project updates to staff and managers at meetings and provide status updates on projects, answer questions and negotiate particular aspects of the work which may affect other staff members' workloads and schedules. They may also negotiate extensions and work reorganizations so they have sufficient time to complete projects. (3)

• Face unrealistic project timelines. Deadlines can move up unexpectedly because of shifting customer demands or new work requirements. They adjust their own workloads to meet new timelines or request extensions from their supervisors. (1)
• May face cost overruns on projects as a result of high source data costs or unexpected delays in data processing. They consider ways to reduce expenses and staff time. They document the causes of cost overruns to use as reference for future projects. (2)
• Receive inaccurate or incomplete source data. They approach clients, suppliers or co-workers to find data that meets project requirements and work on other projects or tasks until good quality data arrives. (2)
• Encounter computer hardware failures and software malfunctions. They troubleshoot equipment and software, using error codes and messages to guide their search of manuals and online technical information. They adjust timelines to make up for any time lost as a result of failures and malfunctions. (2)
• Encounter inconsistencies and conflicting results when processing data. They review source data to locate any errors which may have been overlooked and study all previous data results to identify indicators of problems with data processing. They then work independently or with co-workers to perform root cause analysis and make all the necessary adjustments. (3)

• Decide to request additional source data when that received is incomplete or inaccurate. (1)
• Decide which computer hardware and software will suit the projects' objectives. They consider the types of source data available, the end products desired and the types of processing which will be required. (2)
• Choose map scales, colours and the sizes and locations of display features such as legends, text labels and symbols on finished products so that information is optimally displayed. They work within industry standards but use their discretion to ensure maps are readable. (3)

• Assess the appropriateness of source data for given purposes. They consider job specifications, data quality and processing requirements and the applications of finished products. For example, photogrammetric technicians evaluate the clarity and composition of aerial photographs to be used in creating topographical maps while GIS technicians may assess the impact of cloud cover on satellite images. (2)
• Judge the suitability of software for given tasks. They consider the types of data supplied, processing required and the finished products requested. (2)
• Evaluate the accuracy and completeness of data. For example, cartographers creating topographical maps may locate features on older versions of maps, photographs and in survey data identifying conflicting or missing information. Remote sensing technicians would review numerical outputs of digital elevation models to identify gaps and other indications and then judge whether data is missing or inaccurate. (3)
• Evaluate the quality and integrity of their own and co-workers' finished products. They use established criteria to judge the accuracy and readability of the products and the extent to which they conform to clients' specifications. (3)

Own Job Planning and Organizing

Mapping and related technologists and technicians receive work assignments from project leaders and supervisors. When tasks are assigned, they have discretion to assign priorities and sequence tasks in order to meet project timelines. They sequence their own work to ensure maximum efficiency, particularly during data analysis stages. For example, they may run lengthy computer processing tasks at night. In this way, they can use their workstations for other tasks during the day. They often work on many concurrent projects, sharing project responsibilities with other team members. This requires that they coordinate schedules and negotiate priorities. Shifting priorities or changes to deadlines can disrupt their schedules. Mapping and related technologists and technicians alter their own work plans and rework project schedules with co-workers or supervisors. (2)

Planning and Organizing for Others

They may organize source data and plan processing requirements when leading a project with other technicians. They plan timelines and completion dates, and assign work activities to meet project requirements. (2)

Significant Use of Memory

• Recall where maps and files are stored. They remember where electronic files are stored in computer hard drives.
• Remember methods used to obtain good quality data and troubleshooting steps for common software and hardware malfunctions.
• Remember how much time different mapping tasks take.
• Remember common products and applications ordered by regular clients.

• Find background information about clients by visiting company web sites and talking to co-workers. (1)
• Find information about computer software or hardware by reading manuals and industry publications, accessing customer service help lines, participating in online user fora and speaking with co-workers. (3)

• Use word processing. For example, they enter text into a variety of form templates, compose letters and write job reports using word processing software such as Word. They create documents using formatting features such as document sections, headers and footers and pagination. They import tables and graphics from spreadsheet software. (2)
• Use databases. For example, they perform searches on software such as Oracle or Access to obtain base mapping data and aerial photographs from government sources. They enter and access attribution and location information from data sets using database features of geographic information system (GIS) software. (2)
• Use spreadsheets. For example, they enter text, data and formulae, sort and manipulate data in spreadsheets. They access positional data in spreadsheet or table format in order to plot coordinates in mapping software. (2)
• Use communications software. For example, they exchange e-mail with clients with dataset or image files attached. (2)
• Use computer-assisted design, manufacturing and machining software. For example, they use computer-assisted design software such as MicroStation to view, draw, and manipulate images. They use software features to take measurements of topographical features, distances, elevations and slopes. They may export files from computer-assisted design software into geographical information system software. They may also use computer-assisted design software to transform geospatial data into topographical maps and three-dimensional models. (3)
• Use the Internet. For example, they browse software manufacturers' user sites to access software manuals and help pages and to download updated software. They browse industry and professional association sites to download academic journal articles and industry publications. They may use the internet or intranet to retrieve or deposit large map or survey files using file transfer protocols. (3)
• Use graphics software. For example, they use graphics software such as Imagemaker and Illustrator to resize or sharpen photographs, layer spatial information, manipulate satellite and aerial imagery, adjust colours and crop images. They may use colour to code elevation gradients or other identifying features of maps. (4)
• Use other computer and software applications. For example, they use geographical information system software such as ArcGIS and Map Info to manipulate remote sensing imagery, organize and assign location data and produce images which are geographically referenced to real world locations. They analyze and integrate multiple layers of geographic information to produce map products for different users and purposes. They use image processing software such as PCI Geomatics to enhance resolution and classify features on remote sensing imagery. For example, mapping technologists and technicians involved in land use classification may use image processing software to find all woodlots within given geographical area. (4)

Mapping and related technologists and technicians spend much of their time working independently. They collaborate with co-workers to solve problems, to find answers to technical or data sourcing questions and to perform quality reviews of ongoing work. They may work as team members when working on larger mapping projects and when writing procedures. (2)

Mapping and related technologists and technicians are required to stay current on a wide range of technological and industry advances. They are largely responsible for setting learning objectives and selecting their own learning resources. They attend in-house and off-site training from software producers and read a variety of industry and academic publications to learn about new techniques that will save them time and produce better quality results. They consult co-workers regularly to learn techniques and solutions to common problems. Mapping technologists who stay current are more likely to garner greater responsibilities and a wider variety of tasks in their roles. (3)