Cartographers and photogrammetrists

Update and revise existing maps and charts

Updating existing maps with new data is highly automatable—AI can detect changes in satellite imagery, integrate updated survey data, and regenerate map products. This is largely a data processing and rendering task that AI handles well, with human review for significant changes.

BLS evidence: The duties section explicitly states 'Update and revise existing maps and charts.'

Create visualizations of data such as precipitation patterns and elevation

Data visualization of spatial patterns is a strength of modern AI systems. Tools can automatically generate elevation models, precipitation visualizations, and other thematic representations from structured datasets with appropriate rendering algorithms, requiring minimal human input beyond parameter selection.

BLS evidence: The duties section includes 'Create visualizations of data, such as annual precipitation patterns and elevation.'

Integrate information from land surveys and LiDAR technology using GIS and CAD software

Integration of survey data and LiDAR into GIS/CAD systems is increasingly automated through AI-powered processing pipelines that can register, clean, and merge datasets. Modern software handles coordinate transformations, point cloud processing, and data fusion with high accuracy and minimal human intervention.

BLS evidence: The page notes 'They integrate information from sources such as land surveys and light-imaging detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology using GIS, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), and other software.'

Develop maps that integrate Geographic Information System (GIS) data for geospatial context

GIS data integration and map development are increasingly automated through AI-powered tools that can layer datasets, apply cartographic principles, and generate maps from structured inputs. AI can handle standard projections, symbology, and data fusion with minimal human intervention beyond specification of requirements.

BLS evidence: The duties section states they 'Develop maps that integrate Geographic Information System (GIS) data for geospatial context.'

Collect and analyze data from surveys, satellite images, and other sources

AI excels at analyzing satellite imagery, processing survey data, and identifying patterns in geospatial datasets. Modern computer vision and data analysis tools can automate most collection and analysis workflows, though human oversight remains valuable for quality control and handling edge cases.

BLS evidence: The duties section explicitly lists 'Collect and analyze data from surveys, satellite images, and other sources' as a primary task.

Gather and analyze spatial measurements and data about Earth's topography

AI and automated sensors can gather topographic measurements through satellite, aerial, and LiDAR systems, and analyze spatial data effectively. The analysis component is highly automatable, though some fieldwork verification and interpretation of complex terrain features may require human expertise.

BLS evidence: The page states 'Cartographers and photogrammetrists gather and analyze spatial measurements, images, and data about the Earth's topography to build maps.'

Prepare static or interactive maps in print, digital, or graphic format

AI can generate maps in multiple formats from data inputs and apply design templates, but nuanced cartographic design decisions—balancing aesthetics, readability, and purpose—still benefit from human judgment. Routine production maps score higher; custom thematic maps requiring creative design choices score lower within this range.

BLS evidence: The duties section lists 'Prepare static or interactive maps in print, digital, or graphic format' and the page notes they 'prepare interactive maps for digital applications.'

Create enhanced map products for specific users such as tactile maps

Creating specialized map products like tactile maps involves applying known conversion rules and accessibility standards to existing map data. AI can automate much of the translation process, though final verification for usability by specific user groups (e.g., visually impaired) benefits from human testing and refinement.

BLS evidence: The page mentions 'They also may create enhanced products for specific users, such as tactile maps for people who are visually impaired.'

Tailor mapping information to support decisions related to land use, environment, or marketing

While AI can generate tailored maps from specifications, understanding stakeholder needs and translating complex decision contexts (land use policy, environmental impact, marketing strategy) into appropriate cartographic products requires human consultation and judgment. AI assists but doesn't fully replace the advisory component.

BLS evidence: The page states 'Cartographers and photogrammetrists may tailor mapping information to support a variety of decisions, such as those related to land use, the environment, or marketing.'

Conduct fieldwork to collect data and verify survey measurements

Fieldwork requires physical presence in varied outdoor environments, operation of survey equipment in unpredictable terrain, navigation of property boundaries, and real-time problem-solving when encountering obstacles. Current robotics and AI cannot reliably perform these tasks across diverse field conditions.

BLS evidence: The work environment section notes 'cartographers and photogrammetrists may travel to the locations they are mapping to examine the topography and validate survey measurements.'