Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
Machines can already do 47% of this job's tasks. By 2035 that rises to 77%. The job changes before it disappears.
Share of the work machines can do
Worldwide baseline, 2026 to 2050
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists in 2026: the short answer
- Today: machines can do 47% of this job's tasks, and AI use is already seen in 8% of them.
- Forecast: machines can do half of its tasks by 2027, and 77% by 2035, according to the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit.
- Size: 14,260 people do this job in the United States, on a median pay of $81,390 a year.
- Contact with people: it scores 76% for contact with people.
- Also called: Aerial Photogrammetrist, Cartographer, Cartographic Designer, Digital Cartographer.
Updated by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit. These are worldwide baseline figures; the Workforce Starburst shows them for your country. Go deeper: How ready am I? or an executive briefing.
How the work changes, task by task
The tasks that take up most of the day, with the share of each that machines can do in 2026 (dark) and 2035 (pink). Worldwide baseline.
| Task | Share of the day | Machines can do | 2026 to 2035 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prepare and alter trace maps, charts, tables, detailed drawings, and three-dimensional optical models of terrain using stereoscopic plotting and computer graphics equipment | 12% | 35% to 65% | |
| Examine and analyze data from ground surveys, reports, aerial photographs, and satellite images to prepare topographic maps, aerial-photograph mosaics, and related charts | 12% | 60% to 90% | |
| Compile data required for map preparation, including aerial photographs, survey notes, records, reports, and original maps | 11% | 55% to 85% | |
| Revise existing maps and charts, making all necessary corrections and adjustments | 11% | 35% to 65% | |
| Build and update digital databases | 11% | 81% to 97% | |
| Inspect final compositions to ensure completeness and accuracy | 8% | 25% to 65% | |
| 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 | 8% | 35% to 65% | |
| Delineate aerial photographic detail, such as control points, hydrography, topography, and cultural features, using precision stereoplotting apparatus or drafting instruments | 7% | 35% to 65% |
The skills this job runs on
The skills cartographers and photogrammetrists use most, most used first.
Safer jobs nearby
Jobs with a similar skill shape where machines can do less of the work by 2035.
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians68% of tasks by 2035 · US median $54,240
- Video Game Designers69% of tasks by 2035 · US median $104,000
- Software Developers76% of tasks by 2035 · US median $135,980
- Computer Hardware Engineers71% of tasks by 2035 · US median $161,740
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Questions
When will machines do half of the tasks of Cartographers and Photogrammetrists?
Machines can do half of its tasks by 2027. That is the worldwide baseline from the 311 Workforce Starburst, before adjusting for country.
Will AI take the job of cartographers and photogrammetrists?
Machines can do 47% of the tasks of cartographers and photogrammetrists today and 77% by 2035. Most of the routine work moves to machines, and the people in the job move to oversight, judgement and client work.
Sources and citing
Tasks and their share of the day: O*NET 31.0, occupation 17-1021.00 (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0). Pay and jobs: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. AI use today: Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Scoring and forecast: the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit; after 2035 the figures extend each trend, with lower confidence. Foresight, not advice.
Cite as: 311 Institute (2026). Cartographers and Photogrammetrists: the outlook to 2050. 311 Workforce Starburst. https://www.311institute.com/jobs/cartographers-and-photogrammetrists/