Cartography Department

Cartography is defined as the art, science and technology of making maps, together with their study as scientific documents and works of art. The department of Cartography in Kenya Institute of Surveying and Mapping deals with imparting of knowledge by providing both theoretical and practical skills in all areas of mapping. The department also mapping production projects, research and consultancy.

Cartography department works as centre where data from various source are compiled into map ready for use by both government and private enterprises.

Source of some of this data may include:

  • Field survey
  • Aerial photography
  • Satellite imagery
  • Photogrammetric plots
  • Existing maps
  • Government and private mapping organizations

Computer Assisted Cartography (CAC)

Study of Cartography has received major boost by the invent of the Computer Assisted Cartography (CAC). CAC has further advanced by the application of Geographical Information Systems (GIS).

Use of GIS has enabled digital importation and exportation of digital data from fields of Land Survey, Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, and many other fields which deal with statistics, research, etc.

Cartography is mainly applied in the following fields:

  • Atlas mapping
  • Topographical mapping
  • Cadastral mapping
  • Natural resource mapping
  • Land Use Mapping
  • Geology and soil maps
  • Meteorology
  • Nautical charts
  • Bathymetric charts
  • Aeronautical charts
  • Tourist maps
  • Town maps

Thematic and Special Purpose mapping

It is worthy to note that in the field of Thematic and Special Purpose mapping, cartography can map any subject from any field.

Cartography graduates can be employed in very many sectors, including the following:

  • Government departments dealing with the following:
    • Mapping
    • Physical planning
    • geology
    • soils
    • meteorology
    • forestry
    • water management
    • security
  • Private mapping and research organizations
  • Technical staff in universities and tertiary institutions

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