AI exposure Architecture and engineering
Will AI replace cartographers and photogrammetrists?
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists. US occupation 17-1021.
The reading
8.0%
of the time cartographers and photogrammetrists spend on their work goes on tasks where AI is already being used to do that work.of cartographers and photogrammetrists' working hours go on tasks AI has already started taking off their plate.
Ranked 204 of 756 US occupations. More exposed than 72% of them.Further along than 72% of them.
Per cent of working time Square-law scale
Average US job 7.7%
Well above the typical job.Ahead of most of the workforce.
What AI already does for cartographers and photogrammetristsWhat cartographers and photogrammetrists no longer do alone
O*NET lists 14 tasks for cartographers and photogrammetrists. AI use at work shows up in 2 of them. Each score runs from 0.5, where every observed use helps a person with the task, to 1, where every use does the task outright.
- Determine guidelines that specify which source material is acceptable for use. mostly automated 1.00
- Build and update digital databases.Core task mostly automated 0.92
What it does not touch, yetWhat still needs a human
12 of the 14 tasks show no AI use at work in the data.
- Collect information about specific features of the Earth, using aerial photography and other digital remote sensing techniques.Core task
- Compile data required for map preparation, including aerial photographs, survey notes, records, reports, and original maps.Core task
- Delineate aerial photographic detail, such as control points, hydrography, topography, and cultural features, using precision stereoplotting apparatus or drafting instruments.Core task
- 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.Core task
- Examine and analyze data from ground surveys, reports, aerial photographs, and satellite images to prepare topographic maps, aerial-photograph mosaics, and related charts.Core task
- Identify, scale, and orient geodetic points, elevations, and other planimetric or topographic features, applying standard mathematical formulas.Core task
Show the other 6
- Inspect final compositions to ensure completeness and accuracy.Core task
- Prepare and alter trace maps, charts, tables, detailed drawings, and three-dimensional optical models of terrain using stereoscopic plotting and computer graphics equipment.Core task
- Revise existing maps and charts, making all necessary corrections and adjustments.Core task
- Study legal records to establish boundaries of local, national, and international properties.Core task
- Select aerial photographic and remote sensing techniques and plotting equipment needed to meet required standards of accuracy.
- Travel over photographed areas to observe, identify, record, and verify all relevant features.
How that compares
Among the 34 architecture and engineering occupations, cartographers and photogrammetrists rank 7. The group averages 3.8%, and its most exposed job is Computer Hardware Engineers at 14.5%. The average US occupation sits at 7.7%.
Just above in the ranking
- 201General Internal Medicine Physicians 8.4%
- 202Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators 8.2%
- 203Mechanical Engineers 8.1%
Just below
What this does and does not mean
Exposure is observed use, not a forecast. Anthropic maps work conversations with Claude onto the tasks O*NET lists for each job and asks, of the tasks AI could speed up, which are actually being used for at work. A use that does the task outright counts in full and a use that assists a person counts half. The task scores are averaged into the occupation figure by the share of time spent on each task.
A high figure means AI is already part of how this work gets done. It does not mean anyone has been replaced. Anthropic's own reading of the labour market finds no systematic rise in unemployment among exposed workers so far, and about 14% fewer 22 to 25 year olds starting exposed jobs.No measurable rise in unemployment among exposed workers so far, and about 14% fewer 22 to 25 year olds starting these jobs. Gap years for everyone. Labor market impacts, 5 March 2026.
Task list and titles from O*NET 31.0 by the US Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Scores from the Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Checked 1 November 2026. How the ranking works.