Will AI replace Cartographers and Photogrammetrists?

Some of your tasks will be automated. People who use AI will have the edge.

Task exposure to today's AI

47/100

Moderate exposure

This is the occupation's typical task mix. Your own score can be up to 30 points higher or lower depending on how you work: routine share, people contact, judgment and how much you already use AI.

Get your personal score

Will AI replace Cartographers and Photogrammetrists?

Not entirely. Today's AI tools can take on about 47% of the typical work in this occupation, mostly: build and update digital databases. The parts that stay human include: Prepare and alter trace maps, charts, tables, detailed drawings, and three-dimensional optical models of terrain using stereoscopic plotting and computer graphics equipment.; Examine and analyze data from ground surveys, reports, aerial photographs, and satellite images to prepare topographic maps, aerial-photograph mosaics, and related charts.; Inspect final compositions to ensure completeness and accuracy..

People who learn to use AI for the automatable parts keep the edge. The 3-phase plan below shows where to start.

Which tasks AI can take on

The largest tasks in this occupation, their share of the working week, and how much of each today's AI tools can do.

TaskAutomatable

Build and update digital databases.AI already used 57%

Compile data required for map preparation, including aerial photographs, survey notes, records, reports, and original maps. 55%

Examine and analyze data from ground surveys, reports, aerial photographs, and satellite images to prepare topographic maps, aerial-photograph mosaics, and related charts. 50%

Revise existing maps and charts, making all necessary corrections and adjustments. 50%

Prepare and alter trace maps, charts, tables, detailed drawings, and three-dimensional optical models of terrain using stereoscopic plotting and computer graphics equipment. 47%

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. 45%

+ 8 more tasks (35% of the week) in the full test.

Your human edge

Prepare and alter trace maps, charts, tables, detailed drawings, and three-dimensional optical models of terrain using stereoscopic plotting and computer graphics equipment.
Examine and analyze data from ground surveys, reports, aerial photographs, and satellite images to prepare topographic maps, aerial-photograph mosaics, and related charts.
Inspect final compositions to ensure completeness and accuracy.

AI tools to try

ChatGPT / Claude for calculations, specs and reportsAI features in CAD/BIM toolsCopilot for scripts (Python, MATLAB, Dynamo)

Related roles

A 3-phase AI learning plan

Phase 1

AI for documentation

Specifications, reports and change notes drafted with AI.
Standards and regulations searched with AI, checked in the source.
Meeting notes and RFIs summarised.

Project

Use AI to draft a topographic map revision report and RFI summary from raw survey notes, then verify against source data.

Phase 2

AI in design work

Scripts and parametric design written with AI help.
Option studies and quick estimates with AI as a sparring partner.
Check AI outputs against calculations and codes.

Project

Write a parametric script with AI to auto-generate contour lines from elevation data for one quadrangle and benchmark time saved versus manual plotting.

Phase 3

Engineering + AI

Data from sensors, tests or simulations analysed with AI.
Define where AI is not allowed (safety-critical sign-off).
Share methods and templates with your team.

Project

Use AI to analyze LiDAR point cloud data for anomalies, flag results needing manual sign-off, and share the workflow template with your team.

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