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cartography@rmit.edu.au
CARTOGRAPHY
@RMIT What is Cartography?
Cartography equals maps, or that's what most people think. In
fact, it's about a whole lot more than that! Today's cartography is
all about visualising spatial data. It incorporates design and
production of maps, as well as the use of Geographical Information
Systems (GIS), remote sensing, multimedia and web technologies.
Cartographers are not only responsible for producing traditional
paper maps, but also for “mash-ups” on the web - websites that
overlay geographic data on an interactive map.
The Bachelor of Applied Science (Multimedia Cartography) is a three
year degree that provides you with the opportunity to master a broad
range of geospatial science skills and technologies, enabling you to
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become a specialist in the design and production of innovative map
products; from traditional paper maps to 3-D visualisations of spatial
data. The creation of all maps, including paper maps, requires the use of
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: School of Mathematical and Geospatial Science, RMIT University
desktop publishing and mapping systems and spatial databases as well as
the application of cartographic design and graphic design principles. Skill
in all of these areas is acquired throughout the three year degree
program.
The practical application of theory forms an important part of this program,
so that you are work-ready when you graduate. The knowledge you gain will
make you an invaluable member of any multidisciplinary team, in which you
may be responsible for designing maps to display on the WWW, using 3D
visualisation tools to represent physical environments, using animation to
represent processes or change over time, or creating a paper map. A key
component of this program is industry experience and students must obtain
work experience during their studies. Graduates of the degree can also go on to
a one year honours program to develop deeper knowledge within a specific area
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of study. Cartography is an interesting career full of opportunities!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q Do I need to study at RMIT to get a Bachelor of Applied Science (Multimedia Cartography)?
A Unless you want to move to Western Australia! Geospatial Science at RMIT is the only educational institution on
the eastern coast that offers this degree.
Q Why haven't I heard about Cartography before? Is it really something worth doing?
A You probably haven't heard about it, as it is considered a “niche” area of study. Cartography and cartographers go
back a long way (cartographers have existed for thousands of years), but for a long time we had limited spatial
information to map. Today, the demand for spatial information is growing exponentially. Many industries rely on
spatial information to get the job done. Therefore, the need for cartographers is growing as well.
Q Are the employment prospects good?
A Yes, they are. For many years now, over 95% of our graduates have been employed within three months of graduating.
These are excellent statistics compared to many other programs of study.
Q Isn't cartography just about producing maps?
A No! Some cartography graduates are responsible for the design and production of maps, however, cartographers also
work with Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing and are increasingly involved with web and
multimedia development including; web site development, interface design and software and product development.
Q What can I expect to earn?
A Starting salaries for most graduates are between $36 000 and $45 000 but can be significantly more depending on your
personal skills, where you are and how quickly you learn.
Q Hasn't everything already been mapped?
A Yes and no. We do have basic maps pf the whole country but not everything is mapped. Cartographers are involved
with creating maps for all sorts of applications and these applications are constantly changing. The world around us is
also constantly changing. This means that demand for cartographers and their expertise in spatial representation will
continue to grow.
Q What do I need to do do to get into Cartography @ RMIT?
A Entry is through the VTAC system. Prerequisites for Current Year 12 Applicants are: Units 3 & 4: English (any) and
Mathematics (any), whilst Non-Year 12 (Mature Age) Applicants are encouraged to apply and should either be currently
employed in industry or have evidence of experience and/or ability to meet the demands of the program.
CARTOGRAPHY - IT’S MUCH MORE THAN MAPS! • CARTOGRAPHY - IT’S MUCH MORE THAN MAPS! • CARTOGRAPHY - IT’S MUCH MORE THAN MAPS!
CARTOGRAPHY
@RMIT
Meet our Graduates
Bill Fish - VicRoads
After extended travel in 1999 & 2002 my interest grew in everything cartographic. Upon graduating
from the Multimedia Cartography degree in 2005 I commenced full time employment in the
Cartographic team within the Land Information & Survey Department at Vic Roads.
My prime responsibility is involvement in the production of the Vic Roads Country Street Directory.
In just a short time I have also had the opportunity to be involved in Commonwealth Games
Mapping, wall map production for the Traffic Management Centre and significant input into the
redesign of the Vic Roads electronic map series. The mapping at Vic Roads utilizes the latest
software, chiefly ESRI’s ArcGIS software, Maplex (an automated map labelling engine) and Adobe
Illustrator.
The broad base of skills that I acquired during the
Multimedia Cartography degree has provided me with
a solid grounding of knowledge to cope with the challenges
that graduates are presented with upon entering the workforce.
Malisa Plesa - Lonely Planet
I really enjoyed my time at RMIT studying for a degree in Multimedia Cartography. With
knowledgeable and friendly staff, the School of Mathematics and Geospatial Science
provided a very encouraging learning environment and brought together a close-knit group
of enthusiastic students. The degree incorporated many practical exercises, including a
student camp in second year, to help us consolidate our new-found skills and gain hands-on
experience. I found the degree extremely fulfilling and definitely came out of it armed
with a great background for an interesting career in the field.
Upon completing the degree, I decided to continue my studies with the optional Honours year offered by the School. This was a very
beneficial year for me as it allowed me to utilise and build on the skills and knowledge I had obtained over the previous three years. It
involved devising and carrying out a large research project of my choice. It was extremely satisfying to see my research evolve over
the year, and to know that by the end I had contributed my piece to the growing body of cartographic knowledge.
After catching the travel bug after a couple of overseas trips between semesters, I was thrilled to land a job at Lonely Planet
Publications. Lonely Planet are market leaders in travel guide publications, and are also one of the largest employers of cartographers
in Melbourne. At Lonely Planet I am responsible for the mapping component of guidebook publishing, and have worked on many
exciting projects to date. At the moment I am coordinating the mapping for the largest guidebook we produce. This is proving to be
quite a challenge so it will be great to see it when it's on the shelves in bookstores and in the hands of travellers navigating their way
around the globe.
Career Opportunities Contact Us
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Cartography graduates are highly employable and upon completion of their studies are RMIT City Campus
employed in many different industries. These include: tourism (companies such as Building 12, Level 11
Lonely Planet Publishing), planning and development, telecommunications Swanston Street
(organisations such as Sensis), business and marketing, navigation, Melbourne, VIC 3000
environmental and natural resource management, monitoring and Postal Address
conservation, emergency services (such as the Country Fire Authority), School of Mathematical &
mining, utilities / facilties management (organisations such as Barwon Geospatial Sciences
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Water) and land management. Melbourne, VIC 3001
Australia
It is these types of industries, amongst others, that use spatial
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information as important decision making tools, for industry +61 3 9663 2517
professionals as well as for the general public. Cartographers bring to
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these organisations the ability to visualise spatial information that is
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often difficult to understand using other methods.
Email
cartography@rmit.edu.au
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