Jobs / Architecture and engineering / 17-1021.00
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
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.
- US jobs
- 14,260
- Median wage
- $81,390 a year
- Job family
- Architecture and engineering
Can agents do the work of cartographers and photogrammetrists?
We read the evidence for the whole job family, Architecture and engineering: Some tasks (first measured in the last 12 months)
Agents complete 20% or more of the tasks (or projects) on a direct benchmark.
Evidence: HWE-Bench, 79.9% of tasks completed.
Direct evidence that disagrees: Parametric CAD Bench V3, 9% of tasks fully completed (Perfect tasks).
0% of this occupation's work, by O*NET work activities, is measured by a direct benchmark.
- 32%Create visual designs or displaysNot measured
- 18%Assess characteristics of land or propertyNot measured
- 17%Gather data about operational or development activitiesNot measured
- 8%Inspect completed work or finished productsNot measured
- 8%Operate computer systems or computerized equipmentNot measured
- 8%Analyze environmental or geospatial dataNot measured
- 6%Develop technical specifications for products or operationsNot measured
- 2%Determine operational methods or proceduresNot measured
Benchmarks for the job family
These cover work in architecture and engineering, not always this occupation's tasks.
Direct evidence
Work benchmarks mapped primary to this family. They set the step when they report how many tasks agents complete.
- 61%Claude Opus 5.5 (max) with Claude Code 2.1.280 · 24 Sep 2026Strong
Also relevant
These benchmarks cover part of this family's work, or have no result yet. They do not set its step.
- 64.8%Claude Code + Opus 5.5 (max) · 6 Oct 2026Strong
Context only
These benchmarks span many occupations, or they test how agents behave. They give context but do not set the step.
Typical tasks
From O*NET 31.0. Core tasks first. Few of these tasks have a benchmark today.
- Compile data required for map preparation, including aerial photographs, survey notes, records, reports, and original maps.
- Delineate aerial photographic detail, such as control points, hydrography, topography, and cultural features, using precision stereoplotting apparatus or drafting instruments.
- 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.
- Inspect final compositions to ensure completeness and accuracy.
- Revise existing maps and charts, making all necessary corrections and adjustments.
- Identify, scale, and orient geodetic points, elevations, and other planimetric or topographic features, applying standard mathematical formulas.
- Collect information about specific features of the Earth, using aerial photography and other digital remote sensing techniques.
- Examine and analyze data from ground surveys, reports, aerial photographs, and satellite images to prepare topographic maps, aerial-photograph mosaics, and related charts.
- Build and update digital databases.
- 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.
- Determine guidelines that specify which source material is acceptable for use.
Other job titles for this occupation (24)
Aerial Photogrammetrist · Cartographer · Cartographic Designer · Digital Cartographer · Mapper · Photogrammetric Technician · Photogrammetrist · Stereo Compiler · Stereoplotter Operator · Cadastral Mapper · Cartographic Drafter · Cartography Technician · Data Mapper · Field Map Editor · Geospatial Specialist · Imagery Analyst · LIDAR Technician (Light Detection and Ranging Technician) · Map Editor · Map Maker · Maritime Cartographer · Orthophotography Technician · Photo Cartographer · Photogrammetric Engineer · Topographer