Geodetic Surveyors
Medium60.06%
Salary Range
Low (10th %)$41,430
Median$68,540
High (90th %)$109,660
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Measure large areas of the Earth's surface using satellite observations, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), light detection and ranging (LIDAR), or related sources.
The occupation of Geodetic Surveyors has an automation risk of 60.1%, which is slightly below the base risk of 60.9%. This moderate risk reflects that while many routine aspects of geodetic surveying can be automated, there are still significant elements that require human expertise. The field often involves tasks that are repetitive and data-driven, which aligns well with the current capabilities of advanced software, robotics, and artificial intelligence. As technology continues to advance, the boundaries of automation for this occupation may further expand, impacting the overall risk level in the coming years. However, full automation is limited by specific skills inherent to human judgment and expertise. The tasks most susceptible to automation are those that revolve around structured data collection, analysis, and reporting. For Geodetic Surveyors, the top three most automatable tasks are: preparing progress or technical reports, analyzing control or survey data to ensure adherence to project specifications or land survey standards, and conducting surveys to determine positions, measurements, and features of land surfaces. These functions can often be streamlined with the use of survey drones, automated measurement instruments, and specialized software that can process and present vast amounts of geospatial data with minimal human intervention. Such automation improves efficiency and accuracy, while also reducing labor costs and minimizing the potential for human error in repetitive procedures. Despite these advances, several core responsibilities remain resistant to full automation due to their reliance on advanced reasoning, problem-solving, and subjective assessment. Notably, tasks such as determining the orientation and boundaries of land tracts using complex surveying equipment, recalculating or adjusting surveys to ensure accuracy and continuity, and reviewing and recommending upgrades to existing standards and equipment require context-specific judgment and adaptability. These activities involve interpreting nuanced contextual information, responding to unexpected challenges in the field, and applying innovative solutions—skills not easily replicated by machines. Additionally, bottleneck skills such as originality (with a resistance level of 2.9%) further insulate these tasks from automation, highlighting the enduring value of human insight and creativity in the profession.
Filter by Automatable Status
Prepare progress or technical reports.
Partially Automatable
Analyze control or survey data to ensure adherence to project specifications or land survey standards.
Partially Automatable
Calculate the exact horizontal and vertical position of points on the Earth's surface.
Automatable
Maintain databases of geodetic and related information, including coordinate, descriptive, or quality assurance data.
Partially Automatable
Verify the mathematical correctness of newly collected survey data.
Automatable
Compute horizontal and vertical coordinates of control networks, using direct leveling or other geodetic survey techniques, such as triangulation, trilateration, and traversing, to establish features of the Earth's surface.
Partially Automatable
Plan or direct the work of geodetic surveying staff, providing technical consultation as needed.
Partially Automatable
Assess the quality of control data to determine the need for additional survey data for engineering, construction, or other projects.
Partially Automatable
Distribute compiled geodetic data to government agencies or the general public.
Automatable
Request additional survey data when field collection errors occur or engineering surveying specifications are not maintained.
Automatable
Provide training and interpretation in the use of methods or procedures for observing and checking controls for geodetic and plane coordinates.
Partially Automatable
Determine orientation of tracts of land, including position, boundaries, size, and shape, using theodolites, electronic distance-measuring equipment, satellite-based positioning equipment, land information systems, or other geodetic survey equipment.
Partially Automatable
Conduct surveys to determine exact positions, measurement of points, elevations, lines, areas, volumes, contours, or other features of land surfaces.
Partially Automatable
Read current literature, talk with colleagues, continue education, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in technology, equipment, or systems.
Partially Automatable
Review existing standards, controls, or equipment used, recommending changes or upgrades as needed.
Partially Automatable
Compute, retrace, or adjust existing surveys of features such as highway alignments, property boundaries, utilities, control and other surveys to match the ground elevation-dependent grids, geodetic grids, or property boundaries and to ensure accuracy and continuity of data used in engineering, surveying, or construction projects.
Partially Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningService OrientationComplex Problem SolvingOperations MonitoringEquipment MaintenanceJudgment and Decision MakingManagement of Material ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceCritical ThinkingActive LearningLearning StrategiesMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlTroubleshootingRepairingQuality Control AnalysisSystems AnalysisSystems EvaluationTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Personnel Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsForeign LanguageEngineering and TechnologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryEnglish LanguageDesignEducation and TrainingBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologySociology and AnthropologyPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationFine ArtsTherapy and CounselingHistory and ArcheologyPsychology
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsGetting InformationInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesDocumenting/Recording InformationDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
Hypertext markup language HTMLAutodesk AutoCADC#C++LinuxOracle JavaBentley MicroStationSAP softwareWeb browser softwareMicrosoft AccessESRI ArcViewMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordAdvanced Graphics Technology ProCogoAutodesk CAiCE Visual TransportationCarlson Civil SuiteCMT CogoCADGeo-PlusGeocomp Systems GeoCalcNational Geodetic Survey NGS Geodetic ToolkitNational Geodetic Survey NGS VERTCONQuickCogoSiteComp SurveyTraverse PCUnderhill Geomatics CopanMicrosoft WindowsVirtual reality modeling language VRML softwareAmazon Web Services AWS softwareMicrosoft WindowsAmazon Web Services AWS softwareHypertext markup language HTMLC#C++LinuxOracle JavaMicrosoft PowerPointSAP softwareStructured query language SQLESRI ArcViewVirtual reality modeling language VRML softwareAdvanced Graphics Technology ProCogoAutodesk CAiCE Visual TransportationCarlson Civil SuiteCMT CogoCADGeo-PlusGeocomp Systems GeoCalcNational Geodetic Survey NGS Geodetic ToolkitQuickCogoSiteComp SurveyTraverse PCUnderhill Geomatics CopanObject oriented programming softwareMicrosoft WordTrimble TerramodelTrimble TerramodelCarlson Simplicity Sight SurveyCarlson Simplicity Sight SurveyMicroSurvey Software MicroSurvey CADMicroSurvey Software MicroSurvey CADNational Geodetic Survey NGS VERTCONObject oriented programming softwareEmail softwareBentley MicroStationGeographic information system GIS softwareGeographic information system GIS softwareESRI ArcGIS softwareAutodesk AutoCADESRI ArcGIS softwareEmail softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Office softwareWeb browser softwareMicrosoft AccessStructured query language SQL
Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
Medium51.81%
Assist scientists or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development or provide user support.
Data Scientists
Medium59.38%
Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
Medium56.29%
Research, study, and prepare maps and other spatial data in digital or graphic form for one or more purposes, such as 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. May collect, analyze, and interpret geographic information provided by geodetic surveys, aerial photographs, and satellite data.
Surveyors
Medium50.29%
Make exact measurements and determine property boundaries. Provide data relevant to the shape, contour, gravitation, location, elevation, or dimension of land or land features on or near the earth's surface for engineering, mapmaking, mining, land evaluation, construction, and other purposes.
Civil Engineers
Medium50.63%
Perform engineering duties in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of building structures and facilities, such as roads, railroads, airports, bridges, harbors, channels, dams, irrigation projects, pipelines, power plants, and water and sewage systems.
Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers
Medium49.08%
Conduct subsurface surveys to identify the characteristics of potential land or mining development sites. May specify the ground support systems, processes, and equipment for safe, economical, and environmentally sound extraction or underground construction activities. May inspect areas for unsafe geological conditions, equipment, and working conditions. May design, implement, and coordinate mine safety programs.
Architectural and Civil Drafters
Medium55.34%
Prepare detailed drawings of architectural and structural features of buildings or drawings and topographical relief maps used in civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, and public works. Use knowledge of building materials, engineering practices, and mathematics to complete drawings.
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Medium52.78%
Apply theory and principles of civil engineering in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of structures and facilities under the direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Medium44.30%
Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Medium48.38%
Apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, test, or adjust machinery and equipment under direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.
Calibration Technologists and Technicians
Medium50.00%
Execute or adapt procedures and techniques for calibrating measurement devices, by applying knowledge of measurement science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and electronics, sometimes under the direction of engineering staff. Determine measurement standard suitability for calibrating measurement devices. May perform preventive maintenance on equipment. May perform corrective actions to address identified calibration problems.
Surveying and Mapping Technicians
Medium54.28%
Perform surveying and mapping duties, usually under the direction of an engineer, surveyor, cartographer, or photogrammetrist, to obtain data used for construction, mapmaking, boundary location, mining, or other purposes. May calculate mapmaking information and create maps from source data, such as surveying notes, aerial photography, satellite data, or other maps to show topographical features, political boundaries, and other features. May verify accuracy and completeness of maps.
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Medium49.96%
Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, and oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.
Hydrologists
Medium50.06%
Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation and its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and return to the ocean and atmosphere.
Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists
Medium43.98%
Apply remote sensing principles and methods to analyze data and solve problems in areas such as natural resource management, urban planning, or homeland security. May develop new sensor systems, analytical techniques, or new applications for existing systems.
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
Medium52.73%
Assist scientists or engineers in the use of electronic, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in laboratory, exploration, and production activities to obtain data indicating resources such as metallic ore, minerals, gas, coal, or petroleum. Analyze mud and drill cuttings. Chart pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of wells or bore holes.
Hydrologic Technicians
Medium53.13%
Collect and organize data concerning the distribution and circulation of ground and surface water, and data on its physical, chemical, and biological properties. Measure and report on flow rates and ground water levels, maintain field equipment, collect water samples, install and collect sampling equipment, and process samples for shipment to testing laboratories. May collect data on behalf of hydrologists, engineers, developers, government agencies, or agriculture.
Remote Sensing Technicians
Medium60.88%
Apply remote sensing technologies to assist scientists in areas such as natural resources, urban planning, or homeland security. May prepare flight plans or sensor configurations for flight trips.
Statistical Assistants
High75.61%
Compile and compute data according to statistical formulas for use in statistical studies. May perform actuarial computations and compile charts and graphs for use by actuaries. Includes actuarial clerks.
Traffic Technicians
Medium59.96%
Conduct field studies to determine traffic volume, speed, effectiveness of signals, adequacy of lighting, and other factors influencing traffic conditions, under direction of traffic engineer.
Atmospheric and Space Scientists
Medium54.71%
Investigate atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological data, gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses. Includes weather analysts and forecasters whose functions require the detailed knowledge of meteorology.
Survey Researchers
Medium52.28%
Plan, develop, or conduct surveys. May analyze and interpret the meaning of survey data, determine survey objectives, or suggest or test question wording. Includes social scientists who primarily design questionnaires or supervise survey teams.
Geographers
Medium47.14%
Study the nature and use of areas of the Earth's surface, relating and interpreting interactions of physical and cultural phenomena. Conduct research on physical aspects of a region, including land forms, climates, soils, plants, and animals, and conduct research on the spatial implications of human activities within a given area, including social characteristics, economic activities, and political organization, as well as researching interdependence between regions at scales ranging from local to global.