Here's an interesting story of a girl in Michigan with Grapheme-Color Synesthesia. In other words, she visualizes each digit, zero through nine, as a different color.
For her, and others with the same condition, it adds a new splash to math work.
Cartographer
Cartographers design, prepare and revise maps, charts, plans, three-dimensional models and spatial information databases, often using computer-based techniques, and applying principles from science, mathematics and graphic design. Cartographers may specialize in topographical maps (which show earth surface features and land use); or maps used for operational purposes in fields such as town planning, weather forecasting, tourism, hydrography, geological or mineral exploration and the military.
Low-end Salary:
$31,440/yr
Median Salary:
$51,180/yr
High-end Salary:
$87,620/yr Education:
There are several routes into cartographic occupations. Employers look for applicants who have a high school education, plus two to four years of formal education in mathematics, trigonometry, geography, geology, drafting, or related fields. Depending upon the particular job, specialized courses such as surveying, cartography, and photogrammetry may be needed. Preparation in high school for should include computer sciences, algebra, trigonometry, geography, and CAD.
Math Required:
College Algebra
Trigonometry
Calculus I and II
Discrete Mathematics
Calculus with Analytic Geometry I and II
Elementary Statistics
Spatial Statistics
When Math Is Used:
Math helps cartographers with map scale, coordinate systems, and map projection. Map scale is the relationship between distances on a map and the corresponding distances on the earth's surface expressed as a fraction or a ratio, coordinate systems are numeric methods of representing locations on the earth's surface, and map projection is a function or transformation which relates coordinates of points on a curved surface to coordinates of points on a plane.
Potential Employers:
Most cartographers work with engineering, architectural, and surveying firms, but a substantial number work for federal, regional, state, and local governments. Government agencies hire cartographers in areas such as highway departments, land management, natural resources planning, and national defense. Many are also employed by businesses, which specialize in map publishing or map drafting services.
Facts:
Cartography is an ancient discipline that dates from the prehistoric times, often depicting hunting and fishing territories.
Citations:
http://www.calmis.cahwnet.gov/file/occguide/cartoGPH.HTM
http://www.myfuture.edu.au/services/default.asp?FunctionID=5050&SCO=212311A
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/97492/cartography
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos040.htm
http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes171021.htm
http://academics.concord.edu/allenj/reqs.html
http://math.rice.edu/~lanius/pres/map/mappro.html
Know of a math-related career or how one uses math? Submit a career entry to the site!
You must be signed in. Don't have an account? Register here!
Quote Of The Day
"It should be evident that each step in my career has rested on a firm foundation in mathematics. For me, the study of mathematics was the key that opened the doors to the universe."
NASA Astronaut
Figures represent salary potential.
© BYU Mathematics Department 2009
Additional support provided by:
Mathematical Association of America