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AI Job Risk

Occupation baseline · Research consensus

Will AI replace Cartographers and Photogrammetrists?

Transitioning

Baseline AI displacement risk for Cartographers and Photogrammetrists, aggregated from 7 research sources.

What this score means

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists sits in the middle of the exposure range for Engineering. Routine parts of the job are starting to automate, but much of it still depends on judgment, relationships, and context that today's models handle poorly. At 47 out of 100 it scores 11 points above the Engineering average of 36. Across the 7 sources behind this baseline, individual estimates run from 32 to 64, so the score is a weighted consensus rather than any single figure.

The number is a consensus estimate for the typical version of the role, built from published academic and industry research scored occupation by occupation. It is not a prediction about any individual. How scoring works

What this job actually involves

Exposure follows the work itself rather than the job title, so it is worth seeing what the role is made of. These are the tasks O*NET records for Cartographers and Photogrammetrists, most central first, showing 12 of 14.

  • 01Compile data required for map preparation, including aerial photographs, survey notes, records, reports, and original maps.
  • 02Delineate aerial photographic detail, such as control points, hydrography, topography, and cultural features, using precision stereoplotting apparatus or drafting instruments.
  • 03Prepare and alter trace maps, charts, tables, detailed drawings, and three-dimensional optical models of terrain using stereoscopic plotting and computer graphics equipment.
  • 04Study legal records to establish boundaries of local, national, and international properties.
  • 05Inspect final compositions to ensure completeness and accuracy.
  • 06Revise existing maps and charts, making all necessary corrections and adjustments.
  • 07Identify, scale, and orient geodetic points, elevations, and other planimetric or topographic features, applying standard mathematical formulas.
  • 08Collect information about specific features of the Earth, using aerial photography and other digital remote sensing techniques.
  • 09Examine and analyze data from ground surveys, reports, aerial photographs, and satellite images to prepare topographic maps, aerial-photograph mosaics, and related charts.
  • 10Build and update digital databases.
  • 11Determine 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.
  • 12Determine guidelines that specify which source material is acceptable for use.

Task statements from O*NET by the National Center for O*NET Development, used under CC BY 4.0. The tasks are descriptive; the exposure score above is ours.

The research behind this score

This baseline aggregates 7 research sources that scored Cartographers and Photogrammetrists for AI and automation exposure. More recent, higher confidence studies carry more weight in the final number.

Common questions

How likely is AI to replace Cartographers and Photogrammetrists?
Published research puts Cartographers and Photogrammetrists at 47 out of 100 for AI displacement risk, in the transitioning band. The number is a weighted consensus of 7 research sources and describes the typical version of the role, not any individual.
Do researchers agree on the risk for Cartographers and Photogrammetrists?
Only partly. Individual estimates for Cartographers and Photogrammetrists run from 32 to 64 out of 100 across the 7 sources behind this score, so the single number smooths over real disagreement. More recent and higher confidence studies carry more weight in it.
Which engineering roles face similar AI exposure?
The closest published engineering roles to Cartographers and Photogrammetrists by score are Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers (44/100), Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians (44/100), and Electronics Engineers, Except Computer (44/100). Each has its own page with the research behind its number.

Also covers

Aerial Photogrammetrist · Cadastral Mapper · Cartographer · Cartographic Designer · Cartographic Drafter · Cartography Technician · Data Mapper · Digital Cartographer and related titles

Estimated displacement window

The dated estimate for this role is included in the full personalised report.

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Informational guidance based on published research, not professional career or financial advice. Scores update as new research is ingested.