As of June 2026, Cartographers and Photogrammetrists has an AI-exposure score of 71/100 (High exposure) on the AI-Safe Careers index, blending O*NET tasks, the Anthropic Economic Index, the Penn/OpenAI study, and BLS data. This is an estimate of task exposure, not a prediction of job loss.
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
More exposed than 93% of the roles we track. Median pay ~US$81,390. About 1,000 projected openings a year (BLS 2024–34 — growth plus replacement).
Pay & demand figures are US medians (BLS, in USD) — your local figures will differ. Your exposure score applies broadly.
How you compare to similar Architecture & Engineering roles
Your tasks, by AI exposure
- Compile data required for map preparation, including aerial photographs, survey notes, records, reports, and original maps.
- 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.
- Travel over photographed areas to observe, identify, record, and verify all relevant features.
- Identify, scale, and orient geodetic points, elevations, and other planimetric or topographic features, applying standard mathematical formulas.
- Delineate aerial photographic detail, such as control points, hydrography, topography, and cultural features, using precision stereoplotting apparatus or drafting instruments.
- Prepare and alter trace maps, charts, tables, detailed drawings, and three-dimensional optical models of terrain using stereoscopic plotting and computer graphics equipment.
- Revise existing maps and charts, making all necessary corrections and adjustments.
- 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.
- 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.
- Select aerial photographic and remote sensing techniques and plotting equipment needed to meet required standards of accuracy.
- Determine guidelines that specify which source material is acceptable for use.
- Inspect final compositions to ensure completeness and accuracy.
No durable tasks identified for this role — its real, individually-assessed tasks consistently read as automatable (93%).
Safer adjacent roles
Your AI-Safe Career Report
Every task scored with what to do about it · 5–10 safer roles with salary, demand & reachability · skill-gap map · a 30/60/90-day roadmap · plus a résumé & LinkedIn rewrite · PDF.
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AI was the most-cited reason for U.S. layoffs through mid-2026 — the workers who adapt earliest fare best. — Challenger, Gray & Christmas, 2026The upside: Workers with AI skills earn a roughly 62% wage premium — adapting pays. — PwC Global AI Jobs Barometer, 2026
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