Start your career building the maps millions rely on every day.
The role
We are excited to share that we have an amazing career opportunity for people to join Ordnance Survey and our brilliant Cartography team.
Cartography is the art and science of creating maps-transforming real-world information into clear, accurate visuals that help people understand and navigate the world around them.
Every day, people rely on our maps to
- Explore the outdoors
- Deliver goods
- Plan cities
- Respond to emergencies
As an Assistant Cartographer, you’ll help create and maintain the data behind those maps-supporting how the UK navigates, plans, and functions. These roles are ideal for people at an early stage in their career who are looking to build skills in a professional environment.
No previous cartography experience? That is absolutely fine.
We’re interested in your potential, curiosity, and willingness to learn.
Who we are
We are Ordnance Survey, Great Britain’s national mapping service and a pioneer in geospatial technology. With over 230 years of trusted data, we empower better decisions, deeper understanding, and meaningful connections to the places we live, move through, and care for.
Working with us
You’ll join a supportive team and learn from experienced colleagues. At OS we work by three principles which unite our teams to deliver our Data & Destinations strategy for each other and our customers.
We will use these principles to guide our hiring and the way we work as we strive to make our work life more enjoyable, rewarding and beneficial to all.
- Clear the path - Cut the noise. Simplify. Move at pace
- Seek the story - Listen. Understand. Speak-Up.
- Do what matters - Prioritise. Focus on Value. Be intentional.
About the team
Our Cartography team is behind the updates that keep OS maps accurate and reliable. We work to bring real-world changes into our many products, supporting the world-renowned mapping millions rely on. Now, we’re looking for people to join us and be part of that work.
And working in Cartography you’ll see the real-world impact of your work every day.
What you’ll be doing
From day one, you’ll work with real mapping data and contribute to products used across the UK.
You’ll
- Edit and maintain geospatial datasets using agreed specifications
- Update maps with real-world changes (roads, buildings, landscapes)
- Apply cartographic techniques and generalisation methods
- Identify and resolve data quality issues
- Ensure mapping data is accurate, consistent, and usable
- Collaborate with colleagues to deliver updates
- Work to defined quality standards and timescales
- Maintain accurate records of your work
- Support the use of new tools and technologies
What we’re looking for
This role is designed for early career talent, so no prior experience is required.
Essential skills & behaviours
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to spot and communicate data issues
- Problem-solving and logical thinking
- Comfortable with technology (or keen to learn)
- Ability to work as part of multiple teams
- Good organisation and time management
- Willingness to learn and improve
Desirable
- Interest in geography, maps, or how places connect
- Awareness of Great Britain geography
- Experience with data, systems, or visual tools
Tools you’ll learn
You’ll receive full training in:
- ArcGIS (ArcMap & Pro)
- You’ll use this to edit and update digital maps, adding real-world changes like new roads or buildings and making sure mapping data is accurate and up to date.
- Unique OS technologies
- You’ll be introduced to custom-built tools that streamline our many data management and map making processes.
- Adobe, FME, SharePoint and more
- You will have the chance to try out a variety of tools commonly used to design and refine map visuals, transform and organise data, and much more.
Learning & career progression
You’ll receive structured, on-the-job training and develop skills in:
- Cartography and map design
- Geospatial data handling
- Data quality and consistency
- Industry tools and workflows
- Teamworking, office skills and personal development
There’s a clear opportunity to progress into a Cartographer role within an estimated 2 years, which will give you greater responsibilities, more autonomy and a wider skillset. All fully supported by OS’s focus on getting the best from their people.
The benefits
We want you to love what you do and feel supported to do your best work.
- Competitive salary and pension (OS contribute up to 12.07%)
- Performance related bonus (where applicable)
- 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing with service)
- Free subscription to OS Maps and access to wellbeing support
- Volunteering leave and matched fundraising
- Hybrid and flexible working options
- Learning and development support, coaching and mentoring
- Enhanced family leave, including paid partner leave
