Geological mappers create accurate maps of land and rock formations, often for government agencies. They require a bachelor’s degree in geology, fieldwork experience, and skills in rock identification, soil analysis, chemistry, and math. Increasingly, maps are produced digitally, requiring mappers to be skilled in digital graphics and analytical software.
A geological mapper is a professional, usually a geologist, who performs land surveys and surveys to draw accurate maps of various terrains. Geological maps typically display land and rock formations from multiple perspectives. Surface diagnostics are always important, but most geological maps also show a cross section of the earth. Cross sections typically show soil composition and rock and mineral deposits, among other things. It is a geological mapper’s job to not only draw the map, but also to do the research so that the map’s representations are scientifically accurate.
Most of the time, a geographic mapper is hired by a government agency or government contracted company. Governments often have a compelling interest in understanding the geological composition and structure of the earth within their borders. A geological mapper has the expertise to help the government complete maps of a country’s land and natural resources. There are also generally geological mapping jobs available from some private firms and companies, particularly those involved in land management or real estate development.
Becoming a geological mapper usually requires at least a bachelor’s degree in geology. In this sense, most geological mapper careers begin in college or university, dictated by the courses and degree programs a student undertakes. Many mapping teams also require their members to have a higher education in geology or mathematics, or at least significant field experience, before becoming a mapper. Many geological mappers spend significant time doing field geology work before honing their mapping skills and interests.
Much of the geological mapper’s job description involves hands-on fieldwork. Mappers go to the land they are mapping and survey it with a range of land survey tools. They also drill deep into the ground to extract a sample of the type of particles present. These drill tests are usually performed at several intervals on a strip of land to collect a representative sample.
The mappers will take their notes and samples back to a lab, where they will analyze the samples, make scientific deductions about the composition of the area as a whole, and integrate these findings with the topographic features of the land on a map. The job requires geological rock identification and soil analysis skills, but also an aptitude in chemistry and a mastery of math skills like trigonometry.
Increasingly, geological maps are produced digitally rather than hand-drawn. Many geographic mappers are highly skilled at digital graphics and creating and running analytical software programs. Digital maps can be interactive and are often easily updated as research continues and as landmasses change. The shift to electronic and computer-generated maps often does not simplify the core skills needed by the geological mapper. However, developments in technology require mappers today to do and know more in a more efficient way than mappers of past generations.
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