Cartographer Onboarding Checklist

Cartographer Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Cartographer starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Geography onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Cartographer, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Cartographer onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Cartographer Onboarding Checklist

1. Introduction to company culture and values: The task involves providing a comprehensive overview of the company’s culture, values, and mission. This helps the new cartographer understand the organization’s goals and align their work accordingly. Typically, the Human Resources department or a designated company representative performs this task.

2. Familiarization with company policies and procedures: This task entails acquainting the new cartographer with the company’s policies and procedures, including those related to data privacy, intellectual property, and workplace safety. The Human Resources department or a designated supervisor typically handles this task.

3. Introduction to team members and key stakeholders: It is crucial for the new cartographer to meet their team members and key stakeholders within the organization. This task involves organizing introductions and facilitating initial interactions to foster collaboration and establish working relationships. The cartographer’s immediate supervisor or team lead usually performs this task.

4. Orientation to the company’s GIS software and tools: As a cartographer, proficiency in Geographic Information System (GIS) software and tools is essential. This task involves providing training and guidance on the specific GIS software and tools used by the company. A designated GIS specialist or a senior cartographer typically performs this task.

5. Review of existing mapping projects and datasets: To familiarize the new cartographer with the company’s ongoing projects and datasets, this task involves reviewing existing mapping projects and datasets. It helps the cartographer understand the scope of work, ongoing research, and potential areas for improvement. A senior cartographer or project manager typically performs this task.

6. Training on data collection and analysis techniques: This task involves providing training on data collection and analysis techniques specific to the cartographer’s role. It may include instruction on field data collection, remote sensing, spatial analysis, and data visualization. A senior cartographer or a designated subject matter expert typically performs this task.

7. Introduction to quality control and assurance processes: Quality control and assurance are crucial in cartography to ensure accurate and reliable maps. This task involves introducing the new cartographer to the company’s quality control and assurance processes, including data validation, error detection, and correction procedures. A senior cartographer or quality control specialist typically performs this task.

8. Familiarization with relevant industry standards and best practices: To ensure the cartographer adheres to industry standards and best practices, this task involves providing an overview of relevant standards and guidelines, such as those set by the International Cartographic Association (ICA) or local mapping authorities. A senior cartographer or a designated subject matter expert typically performs this task.

9. Introduction to project management methodologies: As cartographers often work on projects, it is essential to understand project management methodologies. This task involves introducing the new cartographer to project management methodologies, such as Agile or Waterfall, and explaining how they are applied within the company. A project manager or a designated supervisor typically performs this task.

10. Review of company’s data sources and acquisition methods: This task involves reviewing the company’s data sources and acquisition methods to ensure the cartographer understands the data collection process and available resources. It may include reviewing partnerships with external data providers, data licensing agreements, and data acquisition protocols. A senior cartographer or a designated subject matter expert typically performs this task.

11. Introduction to company’s internal communication tools: Effective communication is crucial in any organization. This task involves introducing the new cartographer to the company’s internal communication tools, such as email systems, project management software, and collaboration platforms. The IT department or a designated company representative typically performs this task.

12. Overview of the company’s client base and projects: To understand the company’s target audience and the types of projects undertaken, this task involves providing an overview of the company’s client base and ongoing projects. It helps the cartographer gain insights into the company’s market position and the specific needs of clients. A senior cartographer or a designated business development representative typically performs this task.

13. Introduction to professional development opportunities: Continuous learning and professional development are essential for cartographers. This task involves introducing the new cartographer to the company’s professional development opportunities, such as conferences, workshops, and online courses. The Human Resources department or a designated supervisor typically performs this task.

14. Review of company’s health and safety protocols: As cartographers may work in various environments, it is important to ensure their safety. This task involves reviewing the company’s health and safety protocols, including emergency procedures, risk assessments, and personal protective equipment requirements. The Health and Safety department or a designated safety officer typically performs this task.

15. Setting performance goals and expectations: To align the new cartographer’s work with the company’s objectives, this task involves setting performance goals and expectations. It includes discussing key performance indicators, project deadlines, and performance evaluation processes. The cartographer’s immediate supervisor or a designated manager typically performs this task.

By completing these onboarding tasks, the new cartographer will have a solid foundation to start their journey with the company, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills, and resources to excel in their role

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Cartographer checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Cartographer up to speed and working well in your Geography team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.