cartographer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cartographer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person who creates maps or charts, often for geographical or navigational purposes. Example: "The cartographer spent years studying the terrain to create an accurate map of the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I came to know the cartographer, artist and writer Tim Robinson, who has spent 40 years documenting the terrain of the west of Ireland: a region where, as he puts it, "the landscape … speaks Irish".

The Guardian - Books

For many people today, that projection − invented by the Flemish cartographer Gerardus Mercator in 1569 − is the world map.

The Guardian

No map is completely objective and every cartographer has to make countless decisions over what is more important and what is less so.

The Guardian

Simultaneously, Annie gets close to Isabelle's husband, Eldon, a frustrated armchair cartographer who lets her into his fantasy world of polar exploration.

The Economist

SOUNDING more like a cartographer than a central banker, Ben Bernanke this week showed off the Federal Reserve's latest gizmo for tracking America's property bust: maps that colour-code price declines, foreclosures and other gauges of housing distress for every county.

The Economist

Google Maps suggests the journey can be done in 17 hours 9 minutes, which suggests to Baobab that Google's cartographer has not been to west Africa.

The Economist

SinoMaps Press, the only national cartographer in China, has a mere 20 people in its electronic-mapping division.

The Economist

The Dutch humanist Erasmus taught at the university; Mercator, the Flemish cartographer who projected the globe, learnt maths there.

The Economist

SOUNDING more like a cartographer than a central banker, Ben Bernanke this week showed off the Federal Reserve's latest gizmo for tracking America's property bust: a series of maps that colour-code price declines, foreclosures and other gauges of housing distress for every county in the country.

The Economist

The 16th-century cylindrical projection by Gerardus Mercator, a Flemish cartographer, makes life easier for navigators by keeping parallels and meridians as straight lines.

The Economist

In "Purgatory" (2008), his last novel, an Argentine cartographer in suburban New Jersey senses that her husband has returned to her, no older than when he disappeared 30 years earlier.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's profession, use "cartographer" to specifically denote a map or chart maker. For broader descriptions of geographic study, consider "geographer".

Common error

Don't use "geographer" when you specifically mean someone who creates maps. A geographer studies various aspects of the Earth, while a "cartographer" focuses on mapmaking.

Linguistic Context

The term "cartographer" functions primarily as a noun, designating a person skilled in the making of maps or charts. Ludwig presents numerous examples where "cartographer" is used to identify individuals involved in mapping, across various historical periods and geographic locations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

59%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cartographer" is a common noun referring to someone who creates maps or charts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. The term frequently appears in news, encyclopedia articles, and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to professional register. While often interchanged with related terms like "geographer", it is more specific to the art and science of mapmaking. Remember to use "cartographer" when specifically referring to the creation of maps, and avoid confusing it with the broader field of geography.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

map maker

Focuses specifically on the creation of maps, omitting the charting aspect.

digital cartographer

Emphasizes the use of computer software and digital data in map creation.

chart maker

Emphasizes the creation of charts, which can include nautical or aerial charts, rather than just geographic maps.

atlas maker

Specifically refers to someone who compiles and creates atlases, which are collections of maps.

geographic information systems (GIS) specialist

Involves managing and analyzing spatial data using GIS software, which often includes map creation.

geographer

Broader term referring to someone who studies the Earth's physical features, climate, population, etc.; mapping is only one aspect of geography.

topographer

Deals specifically with the surface features of an area, focusing on elevation and terrain.

surveyor

Focuses on measuring and determining the exact position of points and lines on the Earth's surface, which is data used by cartographers.

hydrographer

Specializes in mapping bodies of water, including coastlines, depths, and currents.

aerial surveyor

Uses aerial photography or other remote sensing techniques to create maps.

FAQs

What does a "cartographer" do?

A "cartographer" is a professional who creates maps and charts, using geographic data to represent areas of land, sea, or sky. This involves selecting, designing, and compiling information to produce accurate and visually informative maps.

What skills are important for a "cartographer"?

Important skills for a "cartographer" include a strong understanding of geography, mathematics, and spatial relationships, as well as proficiency in cartographic software and design principles. Attention to detail and analytical skills are also essential.

What is the difference between a "cartographer" and a "geographer"?

While both fields involve the study of the Earth, a "cartographer" specifically focuses on creating maps and charts, whereas a "geographer" studies a broader range of topics including the Earth's physical features, climate, population, and resources.

Are "cartographers" still needed with digital mapping?

Yes, "cartographers" are still vital. They ensure the accuracy and clarity of digital maps, design map layouts, and make informed decisions about data representation. Their expertise is crucial for creating effective and user-friendly mapping products, even with advanced technology.