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”

Select aerial photographic and remote sensing techniques and plotting equipment needed to meet required standards of accuracy.
Determine guidelines that specify which source material is acceptable for use.
Identify, scale, and orient geodetic points, elevations, and other planimetric or topographic features, applying standard mathematical formulas.
Compile data required for map preparation, including aerial photographs, survey notes, records, reports, and original maps.
Revise existing maps and charts, making all necessary corrections and adjustments.
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.
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.
Collect information about specific features of the Earth, using aerial photography and other digital remote sensing techniques.
Inspect final compositions to ensure completeness and accuracy.
Delineate aerial photographic detail, such as control points, hydrography, topography, and cultural features, using precision stereoplotting apparatus or drafting instruments.
Build and update digital databases.
Prepare and alter trace maps, charts, tables, detailed drawings, and three-dimensional optical models of terrain using stereoscopic plotting and computer graphics equipment.
Study legal records to establish boundaries of local, national, and international properties.

Related Technology & Tools

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

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