Cartographers (Mapmakers)
Official O*NET title: Cartographers and Photogrammetrists (17-1021.00)
Also called: aerial photogrammetrist, cartographer, cartographic designer, digital cartographer, mapper
Do you do this at work?
Answer each card — it takes about a minute.
Do you do this at work?
Build and update digital databases
Swipe right for yes, left for not me. On a keyboard: → yes, ← not me, Z undo. +2 XP per answer.
How AI is changing cartographers (mapmakers) work
2 of 11 measurable main tasks for this job show up in real AI-use data, so we rate it Green (little AI use yet) — 18%.
This shows where people already use AI, not whether the job will disappear. How we measure this.
Tasks in this job and recorded AI use
- Build and update digital databases (main task) — some recorded AI use
- Determine map content and layout, as well as production specifications such as scale, size, projection, and colors, and direct production to make sure that specifications are followed (main task) — some recorded AI use
- Compile data required for map preparation (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Delineate aerial photographic detail (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Prepare and alter trace maps, charts, tables, detailed drawings, and three-dimensional optical models of terrain using stereoscopic plotting and computer graphics equipment (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Study legal records to establish boundaries of local, national, and international properties (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Inspect final compositions to make sure completeness and accuracy (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Revise existing maps and charts, making all necessary corrections and adjustments (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Identify, scale, and orient geodetic points, elevations, and other planimetric or topographic features, applying standard mathematical formulas (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Collect information about specific features of the Earth, using aerial photography and other digital remote sensing techniques (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Examine and analyze data from ground surveys, reports, aerial photographs, and satellite images to prepare topographic maps, aerial-photograph mosaics, and related charts (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Determine guidelines that specify which source material is acceptable for use — some recorded AI use
- Select aerial photographic and remote sensing techniques and plotting equipment needed to meet required standards of accuracy — no recorded AI use
- Travel over photographed areas to observe, identify, record, and verify all relevant features — no recorded AI use
Tasks: O*NET 31.0. AI use: Anthropic Economic Index (exact or close text match).
Your first steps (guidance)
- Week 1: Open a free AI assistant and say hello. Follow our “Getting started with AI” guide. Ask it one simple question about your work.
- Week 2: Use AI on one task you do often. Try the prompt for: “Build and update digital databases”. Try the prompt for: “Determine map content and layout, as well as production specifications such as scale, size, projection, and colors, and direct production to make sure that specifications are followed”.
Tick your own tasks above to get a plan based on what you really do. The first 2 weeks are free; Premium (coming soon) adds weeks 3–12. New to AI? Read our beginner’s guide.
Questions about AI and cartographers (mapmakers)
Will AI replace cartographers (mapmakers)?
Our data can’t predict job losses, and we don’t try to. What it does show: 2 of the 11 main tasks for this job match tasks people already use AI for (Anthropic Economic Index), giving a Green rating (little AI use yet). Using AI on a task is not the same as AI doing the whole job, and 11 of the 14 listed tasks show no recorded AI use yet.
Which cartographer tasks is AI used for most?
In the data, the most AI use among this job’s tasks is for: determine guidelines that specify which source material is acceptable for use; build and update digital databases; determine map content and layout, as well as production specifications such as scale, size, projection, and colors, and direct production to make sure that specifications are followed.
Which cartographer tasks show little or no AI use?
For example: compile data required for map preparation; delineate aerial photographic detail; prepare and alter trace maps, charts, tables, detailed drawings, and three-dimensional optical models of terrain using stereoscopic plotting and computer graphics equipment. These are good places to keep building your own skills.
How does this job compare to others?
In Microsoft Research’s “Working with AI” study, this job’s AI applicability score is equal to or higher than 62% of the occupations they scored. That measures overlap with AI chat use, not risk of job loss.
How can a cartographer start learning AI?
Start small: open a free AI assistant, try it on one task you do often, and always check facts and numbers yourself. The plan on this page is guidance, not professional advice.
See how this job ranks
Cartographers (Mapmakers) ranks #372 of 572 jobs for the share of main tasks with AI use (#1 = most), and #29 of 37 in Engineering.
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