A professional who specializes in the creation, design, and study of maps. They combine artistic skills with geographic knowledge to produce maps that represent physical, political, or cultural aspects of the world or specific regions. Cartographers use a variety of tools, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), mapping software, and traditional methods like surveying and fieldwork, to collect and analyze data about geographic locations.

Their work involves creating maps for various purposes, such as navigation, urban planning, environmental studies, resource management, and even thematic maps that represent data such as population density, climate, or historical events. Cartographers must have a strong understanding of geography, spatial relationships, and design principles to produce accurate, visually clear, and functional maps. They also ensure that the information on maps is presented in an understandable and useful format for different audiences, whether for printed publications or digital platforms.

The goal of a cartographer is to help people better understand the world around them through visually appealing, precise, and informative maps.