Engineering & ArchitectureO*NET: 17-1021.00
Will AI Replace Cartographers and Photogrammetrists?
Research, study, and prepare maps and other spatial data in digital or graphic form for one or more purposes, such as legal, social, political, educational, and design purposes. May work with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). May design and evaluate algorithms, data structures, and user interfaces for GIS and mapping systems. May collect, analyze, and interpret geographic information provided by geodetic surveys, aerial photographs, and satellite data.
42out of 100
Medium Risk
AI Risk Score
42/100
Risk Level
Medium
Job Zone
4/5
Advanced
Total Tasks Analyzed
11
🤖 What AI Can Do
- â–¸Compile data required for map preparation, including aerial photographs, survey notes, records, reports, and original maps.
- â–¸Prepare and alter trace maps, charts, tables, detailed drawings, and three-dimensional optical models of terrain using stereoscopic plotting and computer graphics equipment.
- â–¸Study legal records to establish boundaries of local, national, and international properties.
- â–¸Collect information about specific features of the Earth, using aerial photography and other digital remote sensing techniques.
- â–¸Examine and analyze data from ground surveys, reports, aerial photographs, and satellite images to prepare topographic maps, aerial-photograph mosaics, and related charts.
- â–¸Build and update digital databases.
👤 What Requires Humans
- â–¸Providing empathy and emotional support
- â–¸Creative problem-solving in ambiguous contexts
- â–¸Physical tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity
Task Breakdown
🤖AI Can Automate (6)
- Compile data required for map preparation, including aerial photographs, survey notes, records, reports, and original maps.
- Prepare and alter trace maps, charts, tables, detailed drawings, and three-dimensional optical models of terrain using stereoscopic plotting and computer graphics equipment.
- Study legal records to establish boundaries of local, national, and international properties.
- Collect information about specific features of the Earth, using aerial photography and other digital remote sensing techniques.
- Examine and analyze data from ground surveys, reports, aerial photographs, and satellite images to prepare topographic maps, aerial-photograph mosaics, and related charts.
- Build and update digital databases.
âš¡AI-Assisted (5)
- Delineate aerial photographic detail, such as control points, hydrography, topography, and cultural features, using precision stereoplotting apparatus or drafting instruments.
- Inspect final compositions to ensure completeness and accuracy.
- Revise existing maps and charts, making all necessary corrections and adjustments.
- Identify, scale, and orient geodetic points, elevations, and other planimetric or topographic features, applying standard mathematical formulas.
- Determine map content and layout, as well as production specifications such as scale, size, projection, and colors, and direct production to ensure that specifications are followed.
Key Skills Analysis
Reading ComprehensionAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 4.00/5.00
WritingAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 3.50/5.00
Critical ThinkingAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.50/5.00
Active Listening
Importance: 3.38/5.00
Active LearningAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.25/5.00
Speaking
Importance: 3.12/5.00
Monitoring
Importance: 3.12/5.00
Complex Problem SolvingAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.12/5.00
Judgment and Decision MakingAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.12/5.00
Social PerceptivenessAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.00/5.00
CoordinationAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.00/5.00
Time ManagementAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.00/5.00
MathematicsAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 2.88/5.00
Learning Strategies
Importance: 2.88/5.00
Systems AnalysisAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 2.88/5.00
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Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our analysis, Cartographers and Photogrammetrists have a medium risk of AI replacement with a score of 42/100. While some tasks can be assisted by AI, the core responsibilities require human judgment and skills.
Last updated: 2026-03-28· Data from O*NET 30.2 & Frey/Osborne automation research