Surveyors.

This job has 40 core tasks. We went through 39 of them, one at a time.

Task by task, from the work Surveyors 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

   Search legal records, survey records, and land titles to obtain information about property boundaries in areas to be surveyed.

   AI DOES

   Searches databases, finds deed descriptions, flags boundary documents, and summarizes title history

   YOU DO

   Decide which records are legally relevant and spot conflicts that need expert judgment

2. TASK 02

   Write descriptions of property boundary surveys for use in deeds, leases, or other legal documents.

   AI DOES

   Drafts metes-and-bounds legal descriptions from survey measurements and coordinates

   YOU DO

   Verify every measurement, resolve boundary disputes, and apply your licensed professional judgment before signing

3. TASK 03

   Calculate the exact horizontal and vertical position of points on the Earth's surface.

   AI DOES

   Processes raw GPS and measurement data, runs least-squares adjustments, and checks for calculation errors

   YOU DO

   Verify field conditions, set up instruments correctly, and apply professional judgment to unusual terrain or edge cases

4. TASK 04

   Verify the mathematical correctness of newly collected survey data.

   AI DOES

   Runs closure calculations, flags outliers, and cross-checks coordinates against reference data automatically

   YOU DO

   Decide whether a flagged error is a real ground feature or a measurement mistake

5. TASK 05

   Calculate heights, depths, relative positions, property lines, and other characteristics of terrain.

   AI DOES

   Runs coordinate geometry, processes GPS/LiDAR data, and flags calculation errors automatically

   YOU DO

   Verify data quality, interpret legal boundary descriptions, and make field judgment calls

6. TASK 06

   Compute horizontal and vertical coordinates of control networks, using direct leveling or other geodetic survey techniques, such as triangulation, trilateration, and traversing, to establish features of the Earth's surface.

   AI DOES

   Runs least-squares adjustments, checks closure errors, and processes raw survey data into coordinates automatically

   YOU DO

   Design the control network, collect field measurements, and verify results make sense on real terrain

7. TASK 07

   Prepare and maintain sketches, maps, reports, and legal descriptions of surveys to describe, certify, and assume liability for work performed.

   AI DOES

   Drafts legal descriptions, formats reports, and checks text for errors

   YOU DO

   Sign and certify documents with your professional license and legal responsibility

8. TASK 08

   Analyze control or survey data to ensure adherence to project specifications or land survey standards.

   AI DOES

   Flags outliers, cross-checks measurements against spec tolerances, and formats quality-control reports

   YOU DO

   Apply professional judgment to ambiguous field conditions and sign off legally on survey accuracy

9. TASK 09

   Verify the accuracy of survey data, including measurements and calculations conducted at survey sites.

   AI DOES

   Checks calculations, spots outliers, and cross-references measurements against known benchmarks in the data

   YOU DO

   Apply field knowledge and professional judgment to decide if numbers reflect real-world conditions

10. TASK 10

    Record the results of surveys, including the shape, contour, location, elevation, and dimensions of land or land features.

    AI DOES

    Auto-formats and logs survey measurements into structured records and flags potential errors

    YOU DO

    Verify field readings and apply professional judgment to ambiguous terrain data

11. TASK 11

    Maintain databases of geodetic and related information, including coordinate, descriptive, or quality assurance data.

    AI DOES

    Sorts, checks, and flags errors in coordinate and descriptive data entries

    YOU DO

    Verify data accuracy against real field conditions and apply domain judgment

12. TASK 12

    Prepare, or supervise preparation of, all data, charts, plots, maps, records, and documents related to surveys.

    AI DOES

    Drafts charts, organizes data tables, formats maps, and flags errors in survey records

    YOU DO

    Verify legal accuracy and apply professional judgment before signing official documents

13. TASK 13

    Compute geodetic measurements and interpret survey data to determine positions, shapes, and elevations of geomorphic and topographic features.

    AI DOES

    Processes raw measurement data, runs calculations, and flags anomalies in survey datasets

    YOU DO

    Verify outputs against real-world conditions and apply professional legal standards

14. TASK 14

    Compute, retrace, or adjust existing surveys of features such as highway alignments, property boundaries, utilities, control and other surveys to match the ground elevation-dependent grids, geodetic grids, or property boundaries and to ensure accuracy and continuity of data used in engineering, surveying, or construction projects.

    AI DOES

    Runs adjustment calculations, flags errors in datasets, and cross-checks grid transformations automatically

    YOU DO

    Judge ambiguous boundary evidence and take responsibility for legal accuracy

15. TASK 15

    Conduct research in surveying and mapping methods, using knowledge of photogrammetric map compilation and electronic data processing.

    AI DOES

    Searches research, summarizes photogrammetric techniques, and helps organize data findings

    YOU DO

    Apply field experience to judge which methods work for specific terrain and project needs

16. TASK 16

    Determine specifications for equipment to be used for aerial photography, as well as altitudes from which to photograph terrain.

    AI DOES

    Calculates optimal altitude, camera settings, and overlap percentages based on project specs

    YOU DO

    Apply local knowledge, airspace rules, and professional judgment to finalize the flight plan

17. TASK 17

    Distribute compiled geodetic data to government agencies or the general public.

    AI DOES

    Formats data packages, generates metadata, and routes files to correct recipients

    YOU DO

    Verify legal compliance and manage stakeholder relationships

18. TASK 18

    Read current literature, talk with colleagues, continue education, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in technology, equipment, or systems.

    AI DOES

    Summarizes new research, flags relevant papers, and drafts conference notes or learning plans

    YOU DO

    Build real relationships, ask sharp questions, and judge which new tools actually matter for your work

19. TASK 19

    Prepare progress or technical reports.

    AI DOES

    Drafts report sections, formats data tables, and suggests standard language

    YOU DO

    Verify field measurements and sign off on technical accuracy

20. TASK 20

    Review existing standards, controls, or equipment used, recommending changes or upgrades as needed.

    AI DOES

    Searches standards databases, summarizes changes, and drafts comparison reports

    YOU DO

    Apply field knowledge and site-specific judgment before signing off on any recommendation

21. TASK 21

    Develop criteria for survey methods and procedures.

    AI DOES

    Drafts criteria templates, summarizes standards, and flags regulatory requirements

    YOU DO

    Apply local knowledge, site judgment, and professional accountability to finalize decisions

22. TASK 22

    Assess the quality of control data to determine the need for additional survey data for engineering, construction, or other projects.

    AI DOES

    Checks data for errors, gaps, and statistical issues in control point datasets

    YOU DO

    Apply field experience and project context to decide if data gaps actually matter

23. TASK 23

    Coordinate findings with the work of engineering and architectural personnel, clients, and others concerned with projects.

    AI DOES

    Drafts summary reports, emails, and meeting notes from survey data

    YOU DO

    Build trust with clients and engineers and make judgment calls on the spot

24. TASK 24

    Determine longitudes and latitudes of important features and boundaries in survey areas, using theodolites, transits, levels, and satellite-based global positioning systems (GPS).

    AI DOES

    Processes raw GPS data, flags errors, and formats coordinate outputs

    YOU DO

    Physically set up instruments, judge measurement quality, and verify boundary locations in the field

25. TASK 25

    Plan or direct the work of geodetic surveying staff, providing technical consultation as needed.

    AI DOES

    Drafts project schedules, summarizes technical standards, and flags potential planning gaps

    YOU DO

    Make on-site calls, mentor staff, and adapt plans to real field conditions

26. TASK 26

    Provide training and interpretation in the use of methods or procedures for observing and checking controls for geodetic and plane coordinates.

    AI DOES

    Drafts training guides, explains coordinate methods, and generates practice examples or quizzes

    YOU DO

    Demonstrate field procedures in person and interpret site-specific control issues as they happen

27. TASK 27

    Request additional survey data when field collection errors occur or engineering surveying specifications are not maintained.

    AI DOES

    Drafts data request letters, checks collected data against spec tolerances, and flags likely error types

    YOU DO

    Verify what actually happened on-site and decide the right corrective action

28. TASK 28

    Train assistants and helpers, and direct their work in such activities as performing surveys or drafting maps.

    AI DOES

    Drafts training guides, checklists, and instructional content for assistants

    YOU DO

    Build trust with trainees and make real-time calls in the field

29. TASK 29

    Determine orientation of tracts of land, including position, boundaries, size, and shape, using theodolites, electronic distance-measuring equipment, satellite-based positioning equipment, land information systems, or other geodetic survey equipment.

    AI DOES

    Processes raw survey data, checks calculations, and pulls land records from databases

    YOU DO

    Go to the site, operate the equipment, and make judgment calls about terrain and boundary disputes

30. TASK 30

    Direct or conduct surveys to establish legal boundaries for properties, based on legal deeds and titles.

    AI DOES

    Searches legal records, checks title history, and assists with boundary calculations

    YOU DO

    Go on-site with instruments to physically measure and legally certify the land boundaries

31. TASK 31

    Plan and conduct ground surveys designed to establish baselines, elevations, and other geodetic measurements.

    AI DOES

    Helps analyze terrain data, suggests survey routes, and processes geodetic calculations

    YOU DO

    Go to the field, set up instruments, and verify real-world conditions

32. TASK 32

    Locate and mark sites selected for geophysical prospecting activities, such as efforts to locate petroleum or other mineral products.

    AI DOES

    Analyzes maps, satellite imagery, and geophysical data to suggest prospecting locations

    YOU DO

    Walk the terrain, place physical markers, and confirm conditions on the ground

33. TASK 33SOURCE-BACKED TASK

    Analyze survey objectives and specifications to prepare survey proposals or to direct others in survey proposal preparation.

    AI DOES

    Drafts proposals from survey specs and objectives

    YOU DO

    Shape the strategy and win the client

    About this analysis +

    46% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium

34. TASK 34

    Establish fixed points for use in making maps, using geodetic and engineering instruments.

    AI DOES

    Helps plan survey routes, process collected data, and flag errors in readings

    YOU DO

    Go to the site, set up instruments precisely, and make real-world judgment calls

35. TASK 35

    Conduct surveys to determine exact positions, measurement of points, elevations, lines, areas, volumes, contours, or other features of land surfaces.

    AI DOES

    Processes and checks survey data, flags errors, and helps generate reports or maps from collected measurements

    YOU DO

    Go to the field, set up instruments, and take the actual physical measurements on the ground

36. TASK 36

    Survey bodies of water to determine navigable channels and to secure data for construction of breakwaters, piers, and other marine structures.

    AI DOES

    Helps process sonar data, flag anomalies, and generate draft charts from collected readings

    YOU DO

    Operate survey vessels, deploy instruments, and make safety calls on the water

37. TASK 37SOURCE-BACKED TASK

    Develop criteria for the design and modification of survey instruments.

    AI DOES

    Suggests question types and validation rules

    YOU DO

    Define what insights you actually need

    About this analysis +

    38% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium

38. TASK 38

    Direct aerial surveys of specified geographical areas.

    AI DOES

    Helps plan flight paths, process imagery, and flag data quality issues

    YOU DO

    Stay in command of live flight decisions and safety calls

39. TASK 39

    Testify as an expert witness in court cases on land survey issues, such as property boundaries.

    AI DOES

    Helps prepare testimony, summarize case facts, and organize survey data into clear explanations

    YOU DO

    Show up in person, take the oath, and answer live questions under cross-examination