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.

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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”

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

Related Technology & Tools

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

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