Will “Topographer” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

88% Chance of Automation

“Topographer” will probably be replaced by robots.

This job is ranked #515 out of #702. A higher ranking (i.e., a lower number) means the job is less likely to be replaced.

Care to share? Click for Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or XING. 👍

Job Description

Collect, analyze, and interpret geographic information provided by geodetic surveys, aerial photographs, and satellite data. Research, study, and prepare maps and other spatial data in digital or graphic form for legal, social, political, educational, and design purposes. May work with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). May design and evaluate algorithms, data structures, and user interfaces for GIS and mapping systems.

Job Details

The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 17-1021.00
The Mean Annual Wage in the U.S. is $ 66,160.00
The Mean Hourly Wage is $ 31.00
Currently, there are 12,100 people on this job

☝️ Information based on the reference occupation “Cartographers and Photogrammetrists”.

Also Known As…

Tasks for “Topographer”

Determine map content and layout, as well as production specifications such as scale, size, projection, and colors, and direct production to ensure that specifications are followed.
Select aerial photographic and remote sensing techniques and plotting equipment needed to meet required standards of accuracy.
Prepare and alter trace maps, charts, tables, detailed drawings, and three-dimensional optical models of terrain using stereoscopic plotting and computer graphics equipment.
Delineate aerial photographic detail, such as control points, hydrography, topography, and cultural features, using precision stereoplotting apparatus or drafting instruments.
Identify, scale, and orient geodetic points, elevations, and other planimetric or topographic features, applying standard mathematical formulas.
Determine guidelines that specify which source material is acceptable for use.
Inspect final compositions to ensure completeness and accuracy.
Build and update digital databases.
Collect information about specific features of the Earth, using aerial photography and other digital remote sensing techniques.
Revise existing maps and charts, making all necessary corrections and adjustments.
Study legal records to establish boundaries of local, national, and international properties.
Examine and analyze data from ground surveys, reports, aerial photographs, and satellite images to prepare topographic maps, aerial-photograph mosaics, and related charts.
Travel over photographed areas to observe, identify, record, and verify all relevant features.
Compile data required for map preparation, including aerial photographs, survey notes, records, reports, and original maps.

Related Technology & Tools

Video thermal imagers
Templates
Scales
Digitizers
Dividers
Automatic levels
Film processors and editors
Analytical stereoplotters
Notebook computers
Photogrammetric scanners
Digital camcorders
Color inkjet plotters
Aerial imagery mapping-grade global positioning systems GPS
Personal computers
Digital image printers
Drafting machines
Large-format aerial digital cameras
Lamination systems
Triangles
Windows servers
Type lettering sets
Photo enlargers
Planimeters
Laser imaging detection and ranging LIDAR systems
Mapping grade global positioning system GPS receivers
Geodetic ground global positioning system GPS receivers
Total stations
Drafting instruments
T-squares
Computer servers
Panoramic digital line cameras
Color digital camera systems
Compasses
Laser printers
Remote sensing equipment
Protractors
Large-format plotters
French curves
Global positioning system GPS receivers
Scanners

Microsoft Excel
Desktop publishing software
Adobe Systems Adobe Flash Player
Digital databases
MapInfo
Microsoft Internet Explorer
ESRI ArcGIS software
Rand McNally World Digital Database
Image analysis software
Boeing SoftPlotter
Corporate Montage CADScript
ESRI ArcInfo
Master Seafloor Digital Database
SAP
World Vector Shoreline
Precision analytical aerotriangulation pugging software
Python
Adobe Systems Adobe Dreamweaver
Intergraph ImageStation Stereo Softcopy Kit SSK
Cosmo Software Cosmo World
Quark Immedia
Leica AEROPLAN LiDAR
Microsoft Access
Computer aided design CAD software
Arbor Image Draftsman
ESRI ArcView
Microsoft Office
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Word
RSI ENVI
Image processing software
Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
Aerotriangulation adjustment software
Autodesk World
ERDAS ER Mapper
Hexagon Intergraph
Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
Steroplotter software
Bentley Microstation
Structured query language SQL
Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
QuarkXPress
Bentley Systems InRoads Suite
Adobe Systems Adobe Fireworks
Microsoft Visual Basic
Sybase SQL Server
MultiGen Paradigm Vega Prime
Terrasolid TerraScan
Geomechanical design analysis GDA software
Autodesk AutoCAD
Microsoft PowerPoint
Email software
Aldus FreeHand
Mapthematics GeoCart
Boeing Kork Digital Mapping