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Topographic Map Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Topographic Map information

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$11

$25

$48

How much do topographic map jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for topographic map in the United States is $25.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $29.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a topographic map?

A topographic map is a detailed, accurate representation of the Earth's surface, showing natural and man-made features. These maps use contour lines to depict elevation changes and the shape of the terrain, making it easy to see hills, valleys, and slopes. Topographic maps also include features such as rivers, forests, roads, and buildings, making them useful for activities like hiking, planning, and engineering. They are essential tools for geographers, surveyors, and outdoor enthusiasts to understand landscape and elevation.

What is a topographic map technician?

A Topographic Map job involves creating, analyzing, and interpreting detailed maps that represent the Earth's surface, including elevation, terrain features, and natural or man-made landmarks. Professionals in this field use geographic information systems (GIS) and surveying techniques to collect and process spatial data. These maps are essential for fields like engineering, urban planning, environmental management, and outdoor navigation.

What are some common challenges faced when working as a topographic map technician, and how can they be addressed?

Topographic map technicians often encounter challenges such as ensuring data accuracy in diverse terrains, managing large volumes of geospatial information, and adapting to rapidly changing technology. These challenges can be addressed by staying current with the latest mapping software, maintaining meticulous data validation processes, and collaborating closely with field surveyors and GIS specialists. Effective communication within a multidisciplinary team is crucial for resolving discrepancies and delivering precise, up-to-date topographic maps for clients and stakeholders.

What is the difference between Topographic Map vs Cartographer?

AspectTopographic MapCartographer
Primary FocusCreating detailed maps showing terrain features, elevations, and landformsDesigning, producing, and updating various types of maps, including topographic maps
Required SkillsGeographic knowledge, map reading, GIS skillsGIS proficiency, cartographic design, spatial analysis
Work EnvironmentField surveys, GIS labs, mapping officesOffice-based, GIS centers, fieldwork for data collection
Industry UsageUsed by surveyors, engineers, environmental agenciesEmployed by mapping companies, government agencies, urban planners

While a topographic map is a detailed representation of terrain features, a cartographer is a professional who creates and updates these maps. Cartographers use skills like GIS and cartographic design to produce accurate maps, including topographic maps, for various industries and purposes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a topographic map technician?

To thrive as a Topographic Mapper, you need expertise in cartography, geospatial analysis, and a background in geography or a related field. Familiarity with GIS (Geographic Information Systems), GPS technology, and mapping software like ArcGIS is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong problem-solving skills help ensure accuracy and quality in map production. These skills are vital for creating precise topographic maps that support land use planning, engineering, and environmental management.
More about Topographic Map jobs
What cities are hiring for Topographic Map jobs? Cities with the most Topographic Map job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Topographic Map jobs? The most popular types of Topographic Map jobs are:
What states have the most Topographic Map jobs? States with the most job openings for Topographic Map jobs include:
Infographic showing various Topographic Map job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,560 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

Production Specialist/Cartographer - Middle

Leidos

Edwardsville, IL • On-site

$59K - $106K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 151 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

75th of 481 rated business services


Job description

Description

If you are a talented Cartographer who would thrive in an environment  that  supports large- and small-scale cartographic production in a high-tempo GEOINT environment then look no further!!

The role requires a strong understanding of geography, cartographic finishing principles, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to produce, edit, and review high-quality maps and charts while ensuring timely, accurate mission support. Successful candidates are adaptable, team-oriented, professional, and committed to delivering high-quality GEOINT products.

Key Responsibilities

Produce, edit, and review national and international maps and charts at various scales using established cartographic standards.

Create and maintain standard mapping products, including:

  • Topographic Map (TM)

  • MGCP Topographic Map (MTM)

  • Image City Map (ICM)

  • Joint Operations Graphic (JOG)

  • Tactical Pilotage Chart (TPC)

  • Jet Navigation Chart (JNC)

  • Global Navigation Chart (GNC)

  • Operational Navigation Chart (ONC)

  • Evacuation Chart (EVC)

Attribute, conflate, edit, exploit, extract, format, manipulate, merge, position, and symbolize geospatial information to produce finished map/chart products and perform quality assurance reviews.

Analyze and evaluate Foundation data for coverage, accuracy, currency, completeness, and applicability to mission requirements.

Participate in technical exchanges with Government, industry partners, academia, military, civil partners, and geographically dispersed teams.

Support mission readiness by developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), creating training guides, and mentoring team members.

Skills and Experience:

Required

•         Typically requires a bachelor’s degree and/or 4 – 8 years of prior relevant experience or Master’s degree with 2 – 6 years of prior relevant experience.

  • Active TS/SCI with willingness to get CI Poly     

  • Demonstrated experience in cartographic finishing, feature extraction, and data content management.

  • Knowledge of Feature Data Specifications or Product Specifications (DPS) to include, the Topographic Data Store (TDS) and Multinational Geospatial Co-production Program (MGCP) schemas, Data Product Specification (DPS), and/or Standard Information Guidance (SIG) for GEOINT product lines which include Topographic Map (TM), MGCP Topographic Map (MTM), Joint Operations Graphic (JOG), Tactical Pilotage Chart (TPC), Jet Navigation Chart (JNC), Global Navigation Chart (GNC), and Operational Navigation Chart (ONC) and variants (provisional, automated, etc.).

  • Knowledge of digital data formats including, vector data, shapefile and spatial database, GML, and Extensible Markup Language (XML).

  • Knowledge and skills necessary to edit, merge, and/or conflate geospatial content.

  • Experience finding and using resources/webservices/websites as they pertain to features/attributes required for portrayal on map/charts. Resources may include: Geographic Names, Boundaries, GRiD, Geodetic Packages (GEOPAK), Automated-Air-Facilities-Intelligence-File (AAFIF), Digital Vertical Obstruction Files (DVOF), Digital Nautical Chart (DNC), TDS, MGCP, etc.

  • Demonstrated expertise with cartographic finishing software and automation tools, such as Cartographic Web Services (CWS), Digital Cartographic Studio (DCS), ArcGIS Desktop/Pro and extensions, and/or Cartographic Automation Production Solution (CAPS).

  • Demonstrated experience performing geo-locational mensuration functions, extract coordinates and positional relationships from digital database systems.

  • Demonstrated experience performing imagery interpretation from various imagery sources to validate features present on or missing from map/chart products and the underlying feature data.

  • Basic experience using a geospatial database.

  • Demonstrated experience communicating technical aspects of the cartographic product finishing tradecraft with clarity and accuracy both verbally and written.

  • Experience with combining digital cartography, computer technology, GIS, cartographic and geospatial production techniques, remote sensing, photogrammetry, and digital data formats.

  • Experience performing Quality Control and/or Quality Assurance of maps/chart using documented specifications and standards.

Desired

  • Experience in developing production schedules in order to deliver customer requirements on-time or ahead of the due date.

  • Experience with Python scripting.

  • Experience serving in a supervisory or Technical Lead work role.

  • Experience training coworkers or others in cartographic techniques and best practices.

  • Familiarity with emerging Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, tools, and methodologies, with an understanding of their applications, implications, and integration into daily geospatial and intelligence workflows.

#NSBA #GEOINTMISSION

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:July 24, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $59,150.00 - $106,925.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Securing Your Data

Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system – never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at LeidosCareersFraud@leidos.com.

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.


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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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