17 Cartographer Interview Questions and Answers

Cartographers are responsible for creating maps of all types, from road maps and city maps to topographical maps and globes. They use a variety of tools and methods to collect data, which they then analyze to create maps that are accurate and easy to understand.

If you’re interested in becoming a cartographer, you’ll need to be able to answer questions about your experience with GIS software, data collection methods, and map design. In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of the most common cartographer interview questions and answers to help you prepare.

Are you familiar with the use of geographic information systems (GIS) in cartography?

GIS is a computer system that stores, manages and analyzes geographic data. Employers may ask this question to see if you have experience using GIS in your work as a cartographer. If you do not have any experience with GIS, consider mentioning other software programs you use regularly.

Example: “I am familiar with the use of GIS in cartography because I used it extensively while working at my last job. My previous employer required us to use GIS for all mapping projects. I found that GIS was an effective tool for organizing large amounts of data and creating maps. However, I also enjoy using traditional methods such as hand-drawn sketches and drafting tools.”

What are some of the most important skills for a cartographer to have?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the skills necessary to succeed in this role. Use your answer to highlight some of the most important skills for a cartographer and explain why they are so important.

Example: “The two most important skills for a cartographer are attention to detail and creativity. Attention to detail is essential because it helps me make sure that I am creating maps that are accurate and precise. Creativity is also very important, as it allows me to create new maps or improve upon existing ones. These skills allow me to provide my organization with high-quality maps.”

How do you determine the scale you should use for a particular map?

Scale is a measurement of the size of one feature on a map compared to another. The interviewer may ask this question to assess your decision-making skills and critical thinking abilities. In your answer, describe how you determine scale for a project and why it’s important to use the correct scale.

Example: “Scale depends on what I’m mapping and the audience I’m creating the map for. For example, if I’m making a city map that shows all of the buildings in the downtown area, I would need to use a larger scale than if I were making a state map that only showed major highways. If I was making a map for tourists, I would likely use a smaller scale so they could see more detail about attractions.”

What is the most important piece of advice you can give to someone who is interested in becoming a cartographer?

This question is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you have a passion for cartography and can offer advice to others who are interested in pursuing this career. Your answer should include an example of how you would help someone get started in this field.

Example: “The most important piece of advice I can give to anyone who wants to become a cartographer is to take geography classes in high school or college. This will allow you to learn about different mapping techniques, software programs and data collection methods. It’s also important to be detail-oriented and able to work independently as a cartographer.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to use critical thinking skills to solve a problem while creating a map.

This question can help the interviewer determine how you apply your problem-solving skills to a variety of situations. Use examples from previous experiences where you had to use critical thinking skills to solve problems while creating maps and highlight your ability to think creatively when solving problems.

Example: “In my last role, I was tasked with mapping out an area that had no existing map. This meant I had to create the entire map from scratch. While this is something I enjoy doing, it also presents challenges because there are many factors that could affect the accuracy of the final product. In this situation, I used my critical thinking skills to ensure the accuracy of the map by researching the area thoroughly before beginning the project.”

If you could only use three colors in your maps, what would you choose and why?

This question is a test of your creativity and problem-solving skills. It’s also an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have a good understanding of color theory, which can be useful in cartography. When answering this question, try to think about what colors would best represent the information on your map.

Example: “I would use blue for water, green for land and brown for roads or other man-made structures. Blue and green are complementary colors, so they work well together. Brown complements both blue and green, so it would look nice with either one. I’ve found that using these three colors makes my maps more aesthetically pleasing.”

What would you do if you received conflicting information about the location of a landmark while working on a map?

This question can help interviewers assess your problem-solving skills and ability to make decisions. In your answer, you should describe the steps you would take to evaluate the information and decide which source is most reliable.

Example: “If I received conflicting information about a landmark’s location, I would first try to determine whether there was an error in my research or if one of the sources provided inaccurate information. If it appears that both sources are correct, I would contact local authorities to see if they could confirm the locations. If all three sources agree on the location, then I would include it on the map. However, if two sources disagree with the third, I would remove the location from the map until I could find more information.”

How well do you think you can work within a team environment as a cartographer?

Teamwork is an important skill for cartographers to have. Employers ask this question to make sure you can work well with others and collaborate on projects. Use your answer to show that you are a team player who values collaboration. Explain how you enjoy working in teams and collaborating with other professionals.

Example: “I think I am quite good at working within a team environment. Throughout my career, I’ve worked alongside many different types of people. I find it interesting to learn about the unique perspectives each person has. This helps me understand the world from multiple viewpoints. Collaborating with others also makes me feel more confident in my own abilities as a cartographer. I know that if I ever need help, there are plenty of talented individuals around me.”

Do you have experience using geographic information systems? If so, which programs have you used?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of experience with GIS software. If you have no prior experience, consider mentioning which programs you would like to learn and how quickly you think you could become proficient in using them.

Example: “I’ve used ESRI ArcGIS for my entire career as a cartographer. I also took an online course on QGIS that helped me understand some of the basic functions of this program. While I’m not yet comfortable enough to use it regularly, I hope to gain more experience with it in the future.”

When would you use a choropleth map versus a thematic map?

A choropleth map is a type of thematic map that shows the distribution of data. The interviewer may ask this question to assess your knowledge of different types of maps and how you would use each one in specific situations. Use your answer to highlight your ability to choose the right map for the job.

Example: “I typically use choropleth maps when I need to show geographic areas with proportional sizes, such as population density or land area. In my last role, I used a choropleth map to display county-level election results by state. This allowed me to see which states were more likely to vote for a particular candidate based on their voting history.

Thematic maps are useful for showing relationships between two or more variables. For example, I could create a thematic map that compares the number of people who live in an area versus the amount of money they spend at local businesses.”

We want to create a map that shows the location of businesses in our city. What data source would you use and why?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of mapping software and the data sources that are available. You can answer this question by describing what you would do in a specific situation, such as creating a map for businesses in your city.

Example: “I would use a database like OpenStreetMap because it’s free and open-source, which means I could share my maps with anyone who wants them. It also has a lot of information about businesses, including their addresses, phone numbers and websites. This makes it easy to find all the information I need to create a detailed map.”

Describe your experience with data analysis.

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience with data analysis and how you use it to create maps. Use examples from previous work that show your ability to analyze data, interpret information and apply what you learn to your projects.

Example: “In my last role as a cartographer, I used data analysis to understand where people were looking for certain locations on our map. This helped me identify areas of interest that we could include in future updates or add more information about. For example, I noticed many users were searching for nearby restaurants, so I added more details about each restaurant’s menu and hours of operation.”

What makes you the best candidate for this cartographer position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their company. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills you have that relate to cartography. Think about which ones are most important for this role and highlight them in your answer.

Example: “I am an extremely detail-oriented person who is always looking for ways to improve my work. I also have experience with mapping software programs and know how to use different types of data to create maps. In addition, I am highly organized and able to meet deadlines while working independently. These skills make me the best candidate for this position because they show that I am qualified and ready to take on new challenges.”

Which cartography software programs are you familiar with using?

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience using the software they use in their company. If you don’t have experience with the program they use, consider asking them which one they use and how it compares to other programs you’re familiar with.

Example: “I’m most experienced with ESRI ArcGIS Pro, but I’ve also used Autodesk Map 3D, Quantum GIS and QGIS. Each of these programs has its own unique features that make it useful for different types of projects. For example, I find ESRI ArcGIS Pro is best for large-scale mapping projects because of its advanced data management tools. However, I prefer working with Quantum GIS when creating maps for urban areas because of its user-friendly interface.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of a map to focus on?

This question can help the interviewer determine your priorities and how you might approach a project. Your answer should show that you understand what makes maps effective tools for navigation, exploration or other purposes.

Example: “I think it’s important to focus on clarity when creating a map because this is its primary purpose. A map needs to be easy to read so people can use it to find their way around unfamiliar places or plan routes. I also think accuracy is essential in order to ensure that the information on the map is correct. This helps users trust the map and know they can rely on it.”

How often do you update your maps?

This question can help an interviewer determine how often you update your maps and the frequency of your updates. This can be a good indicator of your ability to work independently, as updating maps is typically something that requires little supervision. Your answer should include information about when you last updated your maps and what kind of schedule you have for future updates.

Example: “I usually update my maps every six months or so. I find this is enough time between updates to ensure accuracy while still allowing me to make changes quickly if needed. However, I am always open to making more frequent updates if necessary.”

There is a mistake in one of your maps. How do you handle it?

This question can help interviewers understand how you handle mistakes and errors in your work. Use examples from past experiences to show that you are willing to take responsibility for your actions and learn from them.

Example: “I once made a mistake on one of my maps where I mislabeled the location of a river. When I noticed it, I immediately contacted my supervisor so they could fix it before anyone else saw it. They were able to change the map before it was published online or distributed to customers. In this situation, I learned to double-check all of my work thoroughly before submitting it.”