Mapping Technicians

Calculate mapmaking information from field notes, and draw and verify accuracy of topographical maps.

Job Task

• Produce representations of surface and mineral ownership layers, by interpreting legal survey plans.
• Train staff members in duties such as tax mapping, the use of computerized mapping equipment, and the interpretation of source documents.
• Analyze aerial photographs in order to detect and interpret significant military, industrial, resource, or topographical data.
• Calculate latitudes, longitudes, angles, areas, and other information for mapmaking, using survey field notes and reference tables.
• Check all layers of maps in order to ensure accuracy, identifying and marking errors and making corrections.
• Compare topographical features and contour lines with images from aerial photographs, old maps, and other reference materials in order to verify the accuracy of their identification.
• Compute and measure scaled distances between reference points in order to establish relative positions of adjoining prints and enable the creation of photographic mosaics.
• Form three-dimensional images of aerial photographs taken from different locations, using mathematical techniques and plotting instruments.
• Lay out and match aerial photographs in sequences in which they were taken, and identify any areas missing from photographs.
• Monitor mapping work and the updating of maps in order to ensure accuracy, the inclusion of new and/or changed information, and compliance with rules and regulations.
• Produce and update overlay maps in order to show information boundaries, water locations, and topographic features on various base maps and at different scales.
• Redraw and correct maps, such as revising parcel maps to reflect tax code area changes, using information from official records and surveys.
• Trace contours and topographic details in order to generate maps that denote specific land and property locations and geographic attributes.
• Trim, align, and join prints in order to form photographic mosaics, maintaining scaled distances between reference points.
• Complete detailed source and method notes detailing the location of routine and complex land parcels.
• Create survey description pages and historical records related to the mapping activities and specifications of section plats.
• Determine scales, line sizes, and colors to be used for hard copies of computerized maps, using plotters.
• Enter GPS data, legal deeds, field notes, and land survey reports into GIS workstations so that information can be transformed into graphic land descriptions, such as maps and drawings.
• Identify and compile database information in order to create maps in response to requests.
• Identify, research, and resolve anomalies in legal land descriptions, referring issues to title and survey experts as appropriate.
• Research and combine existing property information in order to describe property boundaries in relation to adjacent properties, taking into account parcel splits, combinations, and land boundary adjustments.
• Research resources such as survey maps and legal descriptions in order to verify property lines and to obtain information needed for mapping.
• Supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in plotting data and drafting maps; or in producing blueprints, photostats, and photographs.
• Answer questions and provide information to the public and to staff members regarding assessment maps, surveys, boundaries, easements, property ownership, roads, zoning, and similar matters.

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