Cartographers
Overall Exposure
2025 vs 2023
Theoretical Exposure
70What AI could do
Observed Exposure
35What AI actually does
Automation Risk Score
40Displacement risk
3-Year Outlook (2025 → 2028)
Projected changes in AI automation metrics over the next 3 years based on estimated data.
Overall Exposure
2025 → 2028 (estimated)
Theoretical Exposure
2025 → 2028 (estimated)
Observed Exposure
2025 → 2028 (estimated)
Automation Risk
2025 → 2028 (estimated)
Exposure Metrics (2023 - 2028)
Detailed Metrics Table
| Year | Overall | Theoretical | Observed | Risk | Data Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 38 | 55 | 20 | 28 | actual |
| 2024 | 46 | 63 | 28 | 34 | actual |
| 2025 | 53 | 70 | 35 | 40 | actual |
| 2026 | 59 | 76 | 41 | 45 | estimated |
| 2027 | 64 | 81 | 46 | 49 | estimated |
| 2028 | 68 | 85 | 50 | 53 | estimated |
Task Breakdown
About This Occupation
If you work as a Cartographer, AI is significantly transforming your profession. With an automation risk of 40/100 and overall exposure at 53%, this role faces high transformation. The highest-impact area is process and analyze satellite imagery and aerial photographs at 72% automation. This is classified as an 'augment' role. BLS projects +5% growth through 2034. AI-powered remote sensing analysis and automated map generation are reshaping how cartographers create spatial products, while human expertise remains crucial for design decisions and data verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
With an automation risk score of 40%, Cartographers faces a moderate level of AI-driven change. Some tasks can be automated, but many require human judgment, creativity, or interpersonal skills that AI cannot yet replicate. The role is more likely to evolve alongside AI than be replaced.
The AI automation risk score for Cartographers is 40% (2025 data). Overall AI exposure is 53%, with 70% theoretical exposure and 35% observed exposure. The risk trend from 2023 to 2025 is +12 points.
The tasks with the highest automation potential for Cartographers are: Process and analyze satellite imagery and aerial photographs (72%), Perform spatial data analysis and geographic modeling (65%), Create and update digital maps using GIS software (60%). These rates reflect how much of each task current AI systems can handle, based on research data from Anthropic and academic sources.
The BLS projects +5% employment change for Cartographers from 2024 to 2034. Combined with an overall AI exposure of 53%, this occupation is experiencing both traditional labor market shifts and AI-driven transformation. Workers should monitor both employment trends and AI capability growth.
Since AI primarily augments capabilities in this role, professionals in Cartographers should embrace AI as a productivity multiplier. Focus on learning to use AI tools effectively, developing higher-order analytical and creative skills, and positioning yourself as someone who can leverage AI to deliver greater value.