Surveying and Mapping Technicians.

This job has 30 core tasks. We went through 25 of them, one at a time.

Task by task, from the work Surveying and Mapping Technicians actually do. How we describe AI use in each task is our own read of it, not a measurement of whether AI can replace the job.

1. TASK 01

   Calculate latitudes, longitudes, angles, areas, or other information for mapmaking, using survey field notes or reference tables.

   AI DOES

   Runs geodetic calculations, converts coordinates, and computes areas or angles from structured field data

   YOU DO

   Verify raw field notes for errors and apply local context before trusting any computed result

2. TASK 02

   Perform calculations to determine earth curvature corrections, atmospheric impacts on measurements, traverse closures or adjustments, azimuths, level runs, or placement of markers.

   AI DOES

   Runs traverse closure math, curvature corrections, and azimuth calculations instantly

   YOU DO

   Verify field data quality and decide when measurements need to be retaken

3. TASK 03

   Prepare cost estimates for mapping projects.

   AI DOES

   Drafts cost templates, runs calculations, and flags missing line items

   YOU DO

   Apply local knowledge of terrain, crew availability, and real vendor pricing

4. TASK 04

   Enter Global Positioning System (GPS) data, legal deeds, field notes, or land survey reports into geographic information system (GIS) workstations so that information can be transformed into graphic land descriptions, such as maps and drawings.

   AI DOES

   Parses and imports GPS coordinates, converts data formats, and flags entry errors

   YOU DO

   Verify that spatial data is accurate and legally sound before finalizing maps

5. TASK 05

   Collect information needed to carry out new surveys, using source maps, previous survey data, photographs, computer records, or other relevant information.

   AI DOES

   Searches databases, retrieves old survey files, and organizes digital records and maps

   YOU DO

   Decide which sources actually fit the new survey's goals and conditions

6. TASK 06

   Design or develop information databases that include geographic or topographic data.

   AI DOES

   Suggests database schemas, writes SQL queries, and helps organize geographic data fields

   YOU DO

   Verify spatial accuracy and tailor the database to real-world project requirements

7. TASK 07

   Produce or update overlay maps to show information boundaries, water locations, or topographic features on various base maps or at different scales.

   AI DOES

   Generates draft overlay layers, suggests symbology, and automates repetitive data formatting in GIS software

   YOU DO

   Verify spatial accuracy and decide which features to highlight for the map's real-world purpose

8. TASK 08

   Determine scales, line sizes, or colors to be used for hard copies of computerized maps, using plotters.

   AI DOES

   Recommends scale, line weight, and color schemes based on map type and output size

   YOU DO

   Decide what looks clear and professional for the actual print job

9. TASK 09

   Identify and compile database information to create requested maps.

   AI DOES

   Searches databases, filters relevant records, and drafts map layer suggestions

   YOU DO

   Verify data accuracy and make judgment calls about conflicting or incomplete records

10. TASK 10

    Operate and manage land-information computer systems, performing tasks such as storing data, making inquiries, and producing plots and reports.

    AI DOES

    Queries land databases, formats reports, and suggests data patterns

    YOU DO

    Verify spatial accuracy and apply local land knowledge to every output

11. TASK 11

    Compare survey computations with applicable standards to determine adequacy of data.

    AI DOES

    Flags values that fall outside standard tolerances and highlights mismatches in computed data

    YOU DO

    Apply professional judgment when data is borderline or site conditions create unusual exceptions

12. TASK 12

    Analyze aerial photographs to detect and interpret significant military, industrial, resource, or topographical data.

    AI DOES

    Scans aerial photos, flags anomalies, and highlights features like roads, structures, or terrain changes

    YOU DO

    Apply domain knowledge and situational context to interpret what flagged features actually mean

13. TASK 13

    Compare topographical features or contour lines with images from aerial photographs, old maps, or other reference materials to verify the accuracy of their identification.

    AI DOES

    Automatically overlays and compares map layers, aerial photos, and contour data to highlight differences

    YOU DO

    Apply local terrain knowledge and professional judgment to confirm or correct what AI flags

14. TASK 14

    Trace contours or topographic details to generate maps that denote specific land or property locations or geographic attributes.

    AI DOES

    Auto-generates contour lines and map layers from digital elevation data

    YOU DO

    Verify outputs against real-world conditions and fix errors AI misses

15. TASK 15

    Complete detailed source and method notes describing the location of routine or complex land parcels.

    AI DOES

    Drafts boilerplate source and method language, pulls standard phrasing from templates, and organizes parcel location data into note format

    YOU DO

    Verify field observations, apply jurisdiction-specific rules, and confirm legal descriptions match ground truth

16. TASK 16

    Prepare topographic or contour maps of land surveyed, including site features and other relevant information, such as charts, drawings, and survey notes.

    AI DOES

    Processes raw survey data, suggests contour lines, and auto-generates base map layouts

    YOU DO

    Verify field accuracy, apply professional judgment, and catch errors AI cannot see

17. TASK 17

    Compile information necessary to stake projects for construction, using engineering plans.

    AI DOES

    Extracts coordinates, dimensions, and staking points from digital engineering plans and organizes them into usable data sets

    YOU DO

    Verify compiled data against real-world site conditions and apply professional judgment before any stakes go in the ground

18. TASK 18

    Answer questions and provide information to the public or to staff members regarding assessment maps, surveys, boundaries, easements, property ownership, roads, zoning, or similar matters.

    AI DOES

    Searches records, drafts plain-language summaries of property data, and suggests answers to common questions

    YOU DO

    Verify accuracy, interpret unusual cases, and build trust with the public through real conversation

19. TASK 19

    Research and combine existing property information to describe property boundaries in relation to adjacent properties, taking into account parcel splits, combinations, or land boundary adjustments.

    AI DOES

    Searches and summarizes deed records, parcel histories, and boundary change documents

    YOU DO

    Verify legal accuracy, catch edge cases, and apply professional judgment to ambiguous boundary conflicts

20. TASK 20

    Check all layers of maps to ensure accuracy, identifying and marking errors and making corrections.

    AI DOES

    Scans map layers for mismatches, duplicate features, and out-of-range values

    YOU DO

    Decide whether a flagged difference is a real error or a real geographic feature

21. TASK 21

    Monitor mapping work or the updating of maps to ensure accuracy, inclusion of new or changed information, or compliance with rules and regulations.

    AI DOES

    Scans map data for inconsistencies, highlights changed features, and checks formatting rules

    YOU DO

    Apply professional judgment about whether updates meet legal, safety, and accuracy standards

22. TASK 22

    Provide assistance in the development of methods and procedures for conducting field surveys.

    AI DOES

    Drafts procedure templates, summarizes survey standards, and flags common field challenges

    YOU DO

    Apply hands-on field experience to adapt procedures for real terrain and conditions

23. TASK 23

    Record survey measurements or descriptive data, using notes, drawings, sketches, or inked tracings.

    AI DOES

    Formats field notes, auto-fills data templates, and helps convert rough sketches into cleaner digital drafts

    YOU DO

    Stay on-site to take real measurements and verify every data point matches actual ground conditions

24. TASK 24

    Supervise or coordinate activities of workers engaged in surveying, plotting data, drafting maps, or producing blueprints, photostats, or photographs.

    AI DOES

    Helps track task progress, flag scheduling conflicts, and organize project data

    YOU DO

    Stay present with the team and make real-time people decisions

25. TASK 25

    Conduct surveys to ascertain the locations of natural features and man-made structures on the Earth's surface, underground, and underwater, using electronic distance-measuring equipment, such as GPS, and other surveying instruments.

    AI DOES

    Processes GPS data, flags measurement errors, and helps interpret collected readings

    YOU DO

    Show up on-site, operate instruments, and make real-time calls about terrain and conditions