Cartography is an extremely interesting discipline. Britannica.com defines it as “the art and science of graphically representing a geographical area, usually on a flat surface such as a map or chart. It may involve the superimposition of political, cultural, or other nongeographical divisions onto the representation of a geographical area” (https://www.britannica.com/science/cartography). A seemingly simple definition, the subject actually offers many possibilities.

Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest, Hungary offers a MSc in Cartography whose aim is “The goal of this program is to train Cartographers with a professional cartographic approach based on high level theoretical and practical knowledge.

This program is recommended to applicants who want to able to manage and coordinate cartographic and geoinformatics research projects as well as to have the knowledge and skills to solve traditional cartographic or information technology-based problems.

This program provides students with a broad scale of knowledge in Cartography and Geoinformatics in combination with geography, other earth sciences, information technology, database management, web-based mapping services, etc. Students acquire the theory as well as the methodologies in the development and implementation of the latest visualization technics”.

(https://www.masterstudies.com/MSc-in-Cartography/Hungary/E%C3%B6tv%C3%B6s-Lor%C3%A1nd-University/)

The Technical University of Munich also offers Master of Science in Cartography.

The programme focuses on a comprehensive education in Cartography and Geoinformatics, in particular on spatial information technologies, mathematic principles of map making, spatial data handling, theories and technologies of visual analytics, geovisualisation and communication of spatial information.

(https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/studienangebote/international-programmes/en/detail/4200/)

Geoinformation Technology and Cartography MSc/PgDip/PgCert, University of Glasgow

This Masters in Geoinformation Technology & Cartography focuses on understanding and managing the locational data required to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) together with visualisation and map production in a GIS environment. It is the only programme in the UK to have a significant emphasis on cartography; and our focus on the underpinning geomatics aspects and cartographic output is unique among GIS programmes.

(https://www.gla.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/geoinformationtechnologyandcartography/)

The Technical University of Dresden also offers

The University of Wisconsin

There is the Erasmus Mundus Master of Science in Cartography. Describing the course, the EM says: “Maps and cartographic communication processes are keys for enabling humans to deal with all kind of spatial data in an efficient way. The domain of cartography can be seen as by definition very broad and interdisciplinary. The Erasmus Mundus Master of Science in Cartography (CARTO) is a joint program of: • Technical University of Munich (TUM, Germany), Chair of Cartography• Vienna University of Technology (TUW, Austria), Research Group Cartography• TU Dresden (TUD, Germany), Institute for Cartography• University of Twente (UT, The Netherlands), Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC)The four partner sites represent centres of excellence in the field of cartography, recognized at the European and global levels” (https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/erasmus-plus/projects/eplus-project-details/#project/586676-EPP-1-2017-1-DE-EPPKA1-JMD-MOB)

There is also an MSc Surveying and Cartography offered by many. One of them is University College London, according to which “The Geospatial Sciences (GIS and Computing) MSc teaches students the theory, tools and techniques for working with geospatial data, from acquisition to processing to analysis. Students have the opportunity to engage and work with academics and industrial partners on cutting-edge research through seminars and a dissertation. This specialist GIS and Computing programme educates students in the theoretical, scientific and practical aspects of geographic information science, with a strong focus on the technical and analytical aspects of the discipline. The pathway covers a range of topics from spatial analysis and geocomputation to programming and app development. Our graduates become GIS professionals rather than simply GIS users” (https://www.postgraduatesearch.com/ucl-university-college-london/57683200/postgraduate-course.htm).

The University of Southampton offers an MSc in Applied Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing

Use geographical data to solve real-world problems on this master’s degree in applied geographical information systems and remote sensing. On this UK MSc course you’ll use the latest technology and develop key programming and analytical techniques. You’ll learn the skills to work in a range of careers, from environmental consultancy to government research. (https://www.postgraduatesearch.com/university-of-southampton/52310858/postgraduate-course.htm)

Cranfield University offers Geographical Information Management MSc which “has been developed in direct collaboration with industry, in response to the increased global demand for multi-disciplinary managers, advisors, and consultants in resource management. Taught by a dedicated faculty, this course is unique in providing balanced coverage of the key GIS technologies to prepare you for a successful career across the full range of global sectors using geographical information (GI) technologies” (https://www.postgraduatesearch.com/cranfield-university/52322792/postgraduate-course.htm)

Different, although geo-based, is the Masters in Digital Mapping, with University of Kentucky leading the discipline. Describing digital mapping, Kentucky University says: “Prepare to critically navigate and create in today’s information ecosystems as a data scientist, web designer, or a geovisual artist.  Graduates of Digital Mapping not only understand what “big data” is, they use big data to create visual representations of the world. This program is available in both a Graduate Certificate and Masters of Science (MS)”. It goes on to ass that “With four start dates available each year and intensive 10-week semesters, this rigorous online program is geared toward working professionals who want to advance their careers”. (https://www.uky.edu/academics/graduate-certificate-masters/digital-mapping)