The role of the cartographer is to visualize and effectively display complex spatial and socio-economic interrelationships. Cartographers can be involved in many phases of the art and science of mapping. These may include the design, production and use of maps, charts, and special graphics from physical, economic, social and cultural data supplied by field surveys, census, remote sensing and existing maps. Cartographers conduct research in ways to improve the mapping process. They also work to develop more efficient ways of representing geographic features, creating and storing complex spatial objects, handling the features that change through time, developing new map projections and measuring the error in maps.
Some cartographers conduct detailed studies of how people perceive the information they see on maps and how the placement and format of the features on maps can influence the message that the map conveys. As a result we know how to make maps more efficiently and we know more about the elements of good map design. These studies have greatly improved our ability to efficiently produce entire map series that are both aesthetically pleasing and easy to read.
Cartographers need to be familiar with all aspects of the study of maps, including the types of map uses anticipated, the principles and controls guiding the map design process, and the elements of cartographic abstraction or generalization. Cartographers should also have a general appreciation of the historical evolution of maps and their makers.
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