Can AI Replace Cartographers and Photogrammetrists in 2026?

High exposure. AI could handle about 81% of today's cartographers and photogrammetrists tasks by 2036, and there is a 64% chance the number of jobs falls by a fifth or more. AI is likely to take over many tasks outright.

See how not to be replaced

Timeline

Year2030

Tasks AI can do

40%

Headcount (2025 = 100)

Chance of 20%+ fewer jobs

20% 2030 · 64% 2036

One person could cover, 2036

3.7 roles

Share of today's tasks AI can perform

Headcount index, 2025 = 100 (dashed line)

Your survival map

Not every part of your job is at the same risk. Tap a number to see what to do about each task.

Your human coreDo it with AIHand to AI

Tap a number on the map or a task below.

Lower-risk jobs that use similar skills

Surveying and Mapping Technicians52% risk by 2036 Surveyors33% risk by 2036 Geodetic Surveyors40% risk by 2036

Your plan

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Try an AI tool on one task you'd normally do by hand: "Determine guidelines that specify which source material is acceptable for use".Learn one AI tool well enough to show it in an interview, for: "Compile data required for map preparation, including aerial photographs, survey notes, records, reports, and original maps".Take on work where you sign off, decide or carry responsibility: that part stays human.Rewrite the top of your CV around judgment, people and decisions, not routine output.Read about a lower-risk move: Surveying and Mapping Technicians.

Lower-risk jobs with similar tasks

Surveying and Mapping Technicians — 52% chance of contraction by 2036
Surveyors — 33% chance of contraction by 2036
Geodetic Surveyors — 40% chance of contraction by 2036

Similar occupations

Remote Sensing Technicians · Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists · Geographers · Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians

Based on 14 O*NET tasks for "Cartographers and Photogrammetrists" (SOC 17-1021.00). LLM alone: 4% of tasks; with AI tools: 100%. Projections are a model, not official statistics. How we calculate this · Data version 2026-10