06/01/1989 10510

CARTOGRAPHIC DRAFTER 1

DEFINITION: This is technical work in compiling and drafting of maps and related illustrative materials using either ink or scribing methods and/or performing cartographic operations using computer assisted cartographic techniques.

An employee in this class prepares or revises routine and/or minor conventional or digital maps and related illustrative materials. A routine or minor map, in the Department of Transportation, typically shows the less-congested or lesser-traveled traffic routes that are prevalent in rural counties. An employee may also assist in the preparation of the more complex maps by searching a variety of source materials under the guidance of a technical superior, and performing compiling, drafting, or scribing duties. Employees may review completed work performed by others for accuracy and completeness. Supervision is received from a cartographic supervisor with general instructions for routine assignments and specific instructions for deviations from normal procedures. After an initial training period, employees work with considerable independence but technical assistance is readily available for guidance and resolution of problems. Work is reviewed in progress and edited upon completion by a cartographic supervisor or lead worker for accuracy, neatness, and completeness.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Compiles cartographic data by searching postal guides, township maps, computer listings, railroad maps, aerial photographs, straight-line diagrams, field-survey notes, or similar materials to extract data in order to prepare new or to revise a variety of maps which, in the Department of Transportation, consist of less-congested or lesser-traveled traffic routes prevalent in rural areas.

Uses a computer graphics workstation to digitize map features, position labels and symbols, separate features by color and levels, and manipulate data for plotting hard copy.

Uses standard drafting and/or special engraving instruments to plot and ink or scribe roads, drainage, culture, or other technical data in preparing maps.

Plots and inks or traces traffic survey maps, plots the volume of traffic through a particular station on the boundary line to points within the survey area; plots origin and destination and desired lines of travel to a predetermined scale on maps of the survey area.

Revises traffic restriction bulletins by extracting work-progress data from district reports and county maps; inks revisions on a plastic overlay used in preparing press plates; proofreads revisions to detect omissions or other discrepancies.

Prepares lists of names, numbers, and symbols required in preparation of the assigned map; compares printed proofs to prepared lists for proper spelling and omissions; pastes names, numbers, and symbols on plastic overlays, and positions them properly for the preparation of negatives from which press plates will be made.

Prepares color guides and color separates.

Prepares camera-ready copy of maps, graphs, charts, line drawings and diagrams from rough drafts.

Uses special engraving tools and needles to scribe roads, streams, culture, and outlines of boroughs, cities, parks, dams, etc. on chemically-coated plastic sheets used in color separation and press plate-making processes; strips coating from areas to be printed with shaded colors; opaques scribed sheets or negatives as required to eliminate unwanted clear areas or detail.

Masks and positions film negatives and scribe sheets to master sheet to provide position control.

Revises city maps to conform with current source materials.

Operates pantograph and stereo projector to enlarge or reduce map areas or detail being plotted from aerial photographs or source maps.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of drafting principles.

Knowledge of map symbols and features.

Knowledge of the methods and techniques of map preparation.

Knowledge of the usual sources of data for map preparation.

Knowledge of the principles of map projection and layout.

Knowledge of algebra and trigonometry applicable to the work.

Knowledge of the methods of graphically portraying statistical data.

Skill in plotting and inking or scribing roads, streams, boundaries, and cultural features.

Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Ability to read and interpret maps, charts, survey notes, computer listing, and similar source materials.

Ability to perform work requiring normal color perception and visual acuity.

Ability to perform fine work with delicate instruments for prolonged periods.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates.

Ability to interpret and follow written map specifications.

Ability to operate a computer graphic workstation (basic keyboard entries) for prolonged periods.

Ability to operate a photographic contact frame and related developing equipment for film compositing and photo-mechanical proofing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year of experience as a Technical Assistant.

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An associate's degree in surveying, drafting technology, or computer-aided drafting and design technology.

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One year of experience in the preparation of maps by either manual ink drafting, scribing, and/or computer aided drafting methods and graduation from high school, including or supplemented by courses in algebra, plane geometry and trigonometry.