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How exposed to AI is a Surveyor?

Of the 24 tasks O*NET lists for surveyors, 4 could be done in half the time with a chat window today. 6 cannot be sped up at all. Here is which.

Exposure means published research judged an AI could halve the time a task takes, at the same quality. It does not mean the task stops needing a person. How to read this

Also called
City SurveyorCounty SurveyorLand SurveyorLicensed Land SurveyorMine SurveyorProfessional Land SurveyorRegistered Land SurveyorStaff Land SurveyorState SurveyorSurveyor
Reachable today Needs software built first Cannot be sped up
24
tasks rated for this occupation
47%
hold a degree, from a survey of only 19
46k
people do this job in the US
14 of 56
least protected in architecture and engineering

Every task, and what AI can do with it

These are O*NET's task statements for this occupation, exactly as written, sorted into the three bands by the ratings behind this report. Nothing has been reworded.

Reachable with a chat window today

4
  • Verify the accuracy of survey data, including measurements and calculations conducted at survey sites
  • Develop criteria for survey methods and procedures
  • Determine specifications for equipment to be used for aerial photography, as well as altitudes from which to photograph terrain
  • Develop criteria for the design and modification of survey instruments

Only with software built on top

14
  • Prepare, or supervise preparation of, all data, charts, plots, maps, records, and documents related to surveys
  • Prepare and maintain sketches, maps, reports, and legal descriptions of surveys to describe, certify, and assume liability for work performed
  • Write descriptions of property boundary surveys for use in deeds, leases, or other legal documents
  • Search legal records, survey records, and land titles to obtain information about property boundaries in areas to be surveyed
  • Coordinate findings with the work of engineering and architectural personnel, clients, and others concerned with projects
  • Establish fixed points for use in making maps, using geodetic and engineering instruments
  • Calculate heights, depths, relative positions, property lines, and other characteristics of terrain
  • Record the results of surveys, including the shape, contour, location, elevation, and dimensions of land or land features
  • Determine longitudes and latitudes of important features and boundaries in survey areas, using theodolites, transits, levels, and satellite-based global positioning systems (GPS)
  • Compute geodetic measurements and interpret survey data to determine positions, shapes, and elevations of geomorphic and topographic features
  • Analyze survey objectives and specifications to prepare survey proposals or to direct others in survey proposal preparation
  • Direct aerial surveys of specified geographical areas
  • Conduct research in surveying and mapping methods, using knowledge of photogrammetric map compilation and electronic data processing
  • Locate and mark sites selected for geophysical prospecting activities, such as efforts to locate petroleum or other mineral products

Cannot be sped up

6
  • Direct or conduct surveys to establish legal boundaries for properties, based on legal deeds and titles
  • Adjust surveying instruments to maintain their accuracy
  • Train assistants and helpers, and direct their work in such activities as performing surveys or drafting maps
  • Testify as an expert witness in court cases on land survey issues, such as property boundaries
  • Plan and conduct ground surveys designed to establish baselines, elevations, and other geodetic measurements
  • Survey bodies of water to determine navigable channels and to secure data for construction of breakwaters, piers, and other marine structures
What this does not say

This is not a prediction about your job

Nobody surveyed an employer. Tasks are counted equally, so a percentage here is a share of the list rather than a share of your week. And the ratings were made in 2023, which makes every figure a floor rather than a ceiling.

It must never be used to select anyone for redundancy. The full limits are here.

Where to go next

This is the standard task list for the title. The useful next question is which of the tasks you actually do should go near AI, and which should not.

Sort your own tasks Read the full report

Exposure ratings from Eloundou, Manning, Mishkin and Rock, GPTs are GPTs: Labor market impact potential of LLMs, Science 384, 1306–1308, 2024, used under the MIT licence. This page includes information from the O*NET Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. People Team AI has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. Employment figures from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.