US dataswitch to UK
Surveyors
directing or conducting surveys to establish legal boundaries, computing geodetic measurements and interpreting survey data to determine positions and computing horizontal and vertical coordinates of control networks. If that's your week, this page is about your job.
The honest answer
AI is already taking a real slice of the routine work here: calculating the exact horizontal and vertical position of points on the Earth's surface. That is a slice of tasks, not of you.
That slice is not coming back; the core of the job, directing or conducting surveys to establish legal boundaries, stays yours. The tools change hands, the accountability doesn't.
Your week, as this page understands it
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. The job title says “surveyors”. The real job is the part underneath: directing or conducting surveys to establish legal boundaries. That is the thing someone has to be right about.
The exposed part of this job is specific, and we won’t pretend it is coming back. But surveyors is not one task. It is 40 scored ones, and they are nowhere near equally exposed. The most durable of them, on this evidence, is directing or conducting surveys to establish legal boundaries, and the ledger below shows exactly why.
Where the work sits, by task weight
- shifting to AI
- 23%
- changing shape
- 38%
- staying human
- 39%
These bars are tasks changing hands, not people being counted out. The ledger below shows which.
Whole-job exposure score 43 out of 100 (38–49 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, across 40 scored tasks. The number is the support for the sentence above it, not a headline about anyone’s future.
How we know this
What is measured: Every published task statement for surveyors is rated on five dimensions: can a model produce the output, does the work need a body in a room, does it need a legally accountable person, does it depend on a person being trusted in the moment, and how much data exists. A published formula turns those five ratings into the score; the model never writes the number.
How the bar is built: Each task’s share of the bar is its published importance weight, so a task you do all day counts for more than one you do twice a year.
Release: 2026-q4.1, scores computed 2026-08-05. Read the full method.
Your job, task by task
These are the official task statements for this occupation, in plain English, sorted by what the evidence says is happening to each one. The official wording sits under every line so you can check the rewrite against it.
- One task scored differently between repeat runs, so its range on this page is wider. We would rather show the wobble than hide it.
- 5 of this occupation's scored task statements carry a score that was measured under a different occupation's context, because the statement is shared between jobs and has only been scored once so far. Each one names the occupation it was measured under in the free routes below; none is presented as a measurement for this job.
- Task clusters are not derived in this release, so the task-cluster field is empty and no Collab365 Space routing is attached to this occupation yet.
Shifting to AI
9 tasksTasks today’s tools can already do most of. This is the part we will not soften: where these rows are the bulk of your week, the week changes.
Calculating the exact horizontal and vertical position of points on the Earth's surface
This is reading one thing and writing another: the exact horizontal in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 5 · CoreSource: “Calculate the exact horizontal and vertical position of points on the Earth's surface.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 88 out of 100 (84–92 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Calculating exact positions on the Earth's surface is well-documented mathematics that software already does faster and more accurately.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Calculating heights, depths, relative positions, property lines and other characteristics of terrain
This is reading one thing and writing another: heights, depths, relative positions in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 4 · CoreSource: “Calculate heights, depths, relative positions, property lines, and other characteristics of terrain.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (68–82 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Working out heights, distances and positions is settled arithmetic software does reliably, though property lines carry professional responsibility.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Computing geodetic measurements and interpreting survey data to determine positions
This is reading one thing and writing another: geodetic measurements in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 4 · CoreSource: “Compute geodetic measurements and interpret survey data to determine positions, shapes, and elevations of geomorphic and topographic features.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 72 out of 100 (65–79 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: The math behind positions and elevations is fully documented and long since automated, though interpreting the ground still takes skill.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Maintaining databases of geodetic and related information
This is reading one thing and writing another: databases of geodetic in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 5 · CoreSource: “Maintain databases of geodetic and related information, including coordinate, descriptive, or quality assurance data.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 83 out of 100 (79–87 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Keeping a coordinate database tidy and quality-checked is ordinary database work with abundant documented practice.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Changing shape
14 tasksTasks where the machine takes the producing and a person keeps the checking, the deciding, or the answering-for-it. For most jobs this is the biggest group, and it is where "transformation, not termination" is literally visible.
Verifying the accuracy of survey data
The software now makes the first pass at the accuracy of survey data, but someone has to be answerable for the result, and it cannot be the software. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 5 · CoreSource: “Verify the accuracy of survey data, including measurements and calculations conducted at survey sites.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 42 out of 100 (38–46 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Checking measurements and calculations against each other is exactly the kind of cross-checking software is good at.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Recording the results of surveys
The software now makes the first pass at the results of surveys, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 5 · CoreSource: “Record the results of surveys, including the shape, contour, location, elevation, and dimensions of land or land features.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 49 out of 100 (45–53 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Modern survey instruments record shape, elevation and position straight into a digital file.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Preparing or supervising preparation
The software now makes the first pass at preparation, but someone has to be answerable for the result, and it cannot be the software. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 4 · CoreSource: “Prepare, or supervise preparation of, all data, charts, plots, maps, records, and documents related to surveys.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (52–60 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Producing the charts, plots and maps from survey data is standard drafting work, reviewed by the responsible surveyor.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Staying human
17 tasksTasks that stay with a person, because they happen in the physical world, because the rules need someone accountable, or because the value is that a specific person does them.
Directing or conducting surveys to establish legal boundaries
This work happens in the physical world: surveys, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 5 · CoreSource: “Direct or conduct surveys to establish legal boundaries for properties, based on legal deeds and titles.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 10 out of 100 (6–14 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Settling where a legal property line falls requires a licensed surveyor and time in the field with the deeds.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Conducting surveys to determine exact positions
This work happens in the physical world: surveys, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 5 · CoreSource: “Conduct surveys to determine exact positions, measurement of points, elevations, lines, areas, volumes, contours, or other features of land surfaces.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 8 out of 100 (4–12 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Measuring points, contours and volumes means putting equipment on the actual ground.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Planning and conducting ground surveys designed to establish baselines
This work happens in the physical world: ground surveys, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · CoreSource: “Plan and conduct ground surveys designed to establish baselines, elevations, and other geodetic measurements.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 22 out of 100 (15–29 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Planning the survey can be worked out at a desk, but running it means putting instruments on the ground.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Show the other 30 tasks
Verifying the mathematical correctness of newly collected survey data
shifting to AIThis is reading one thing and writing another: the mathematical correctness of newly collected survey data in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 4 · CoreSource: “Verify the mathematical correctness of newly collected survey data.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 88 out of 100 (84–92 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Checking survey figures for mathematical correctness is calculation software performs reliably.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Distributing compiled geodetic data to government agencies or the general public
shifting to AIThis is reading one thing and writing another: compiled geodetic data in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 4 · CoreSource: “Distribute compiled geodetic data to government agencies or the general public.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 85 out of 100 (78–92 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Publishing compiled geodetic data to agencies and the public is routine distribution that systems already handle.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Preparing progress or technical reports
shifting to AIThis is reading one thing and writing another: progress in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 4 · CoreSource: “Prepare progress or technical reports.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 81 out of 100 (77–85 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Progress and technical reports follow a set shape and are drafted well straight from project data.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Determining specifications for equipment to be used for aerial photography
shifting to AIThis is reading one thing and writing another: specifications in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 3 · SupplementalSource: “Determine specifications for equipment to be used for aerial photography, as well as altitudes from which to photograph terrain.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 66 out of 100 (59–73 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Choosing camera specifications and flying heights is a calculation from documented coverage and resolution requirements.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Assessing the quality of control data to determine the need for additional survey data
shifting to AIThis is reading one thing and writing another: the quality of control data in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 4 · CoreSource: “Assess the quality of control data to determine the need for additional survey data for engineering, construction, or other projects.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 66 out of 100 (59–73 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Judging whether existing control data is good enough is an analysis of documented quality figures against project needs.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Conducting research in surveying and mapping methods
changing shapeThe software now makes the first pass at research, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 3 · CoreSource: “Conduct research in surveying and mapping methods, using knowledge of photogrammetric map compilation and electronic data processing.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 58 out of 100 (51–65 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Researching new mapping methods is open-ended work where a machine can help but the original thinking is human.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Analyzing survey objectives and specifications to prepare survey proposals or to direct others in survey proposal preparation
changing shapeThe software now makes the first pass at survey objectives, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 4 · CoreSource: “Analyze survey objectives and specifications to prepare survey proposals or to direct others in survey proposal preparation.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (52–60 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Writing a survey proposal from the client's specifications is document work with a fairly standard shape.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Developing criteria for survey methods and procedures
changing shapeThe software now makes the first pass at criteria, but someone has to be answerable for the result, and it cannot be the software. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 4 · CoreSource: “Develop criteria for survey methods and procedures.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (49–63 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Writing up standard methods and procedures is document work, though the responsible surveyor decides what the firm adopts.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Requesting additional survey data when field collection errors occur or engineering surveying specifications are not
changing shapeThe software now makes the first pass at additional survey data, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 4 · CoreSource: “Request additional survey data when field collection errors occur or engineering surveying specifications are not maintained.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (49–63 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Spotting that field data falls short of specification and asking for more is a documented checking-and-notifying step.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Analyzing control or surveying data to ensure adherence to project specifications or land survey standards
changing shapeThe software now makes the first pass at control, but someone has to be answerable for the result, and it cannot be the software. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 5 · CoreSource: “Analyze control or survey data to ensure adherence to project specifications or land survey standards.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (52–60 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Comparing collected data against project specifications is rule-checking software handles well, with a surveyor answerable for the result.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Computing horizontal and vertical coordinates of control networks
changing shapeThe software now makes the first pass at horizontal, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 4 · CoreSource: “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.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 54 out of 100 (47–61 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Computing control network coordinates follows set geodetic procedures, though the leveling and traversing measurements come from the field.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Searching legal records, survey records and land titles to obtain information about property boundaries in areas
changing shapeThe software now makes the first pass at legal records, survey records and land titles, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 5 · CoreSource: “Search legal records, survey records, and land titles to obtain information about property boundaries in areas to be surveyed.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 49 out of 100 (42–56 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Land records and deeds are increasingly online, so searching and pulling the relevant ones is largely a screen task.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Reviewing existing standards, controls or equipment used, recommending changes or upgrades
changing shapeThe software now makes the first pass at standards, controls or equipment used, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 4 · CoreSource: “Review existing standards, controls, or equipment used, recommending changes or upgrades as needed.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 49 out of 100 (42–56 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Reviewing current standards and equipment against alternatives is a documented comparison, with some hands-on checking.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Preparing and maintaining sketches, maps, reports and legal descriptions of surveys to describe, certify and assume liability for work
changing shapeThe software now makes the first pass at sketches, maps, reports and legal descriptions of surveys, but someone has to be answerable for the result, and it cannot be the software. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 5 · CoreSource: “Prepare and maintain sketches, maps, reports, and legal descriptions of surveys to describe, certify, and assume liability for work performed.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 47 out of 100 (40–54 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Drafting the maps and legal descriptions is well-defined work, but a licensed surveyor certifies them and carries the liability.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Writing descriptions of property boundary surveys for use in deeds
changing shapeThe software now makes the first pass at descriptions of property boundary surveys, but someone has to be answerable for the result, and it cannot be the software. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 5 · CoreSource: “Write descriptions of property boundary surveys for use in deeds, leases, or other legal documents.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 47 out of 100 (40–54 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Turning survey measurements into a written boundary description is formulaic, but it must be prepared under a licensed surveyor.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Computing retrace or adjusting existing surveys of features, highway alignments, property boundaries, utilities
changing shapeThe software now makes the first pass at retrace, but someone has to be answerable for the result, and it cannot be the software. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 4 · CoreSource: “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.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 42 out of 100 (35–49 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Recomputing existing surveys onto a common grid is defined mathematics, though retracing sometimes means going back to the ground.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Coordinating findings with the work of engineering and architectural personnel
staying humanThe value here is that a specific person handles findings and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 4 · CoreSource: “Coordinate findings with the work of engineering and architectural personnel, clients, and others concerned with projects.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 35 out of 100 (28–42 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Fitting survey findings to engineers' and clients' plans is mostly meetings and correspondence about one specific project.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Directing aerial surveys of specified geographical areas
staying humanThe ratings behind this row put aerial surveys of specified geographical areas well outside what today's tools can do on their own.
importance 4 · CoreSource: “Direct aerial surveys of specified geographical areas.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 32 out of 100 (25–39 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Directing an aerial survey is mostly planning and coordination from a desk, with the flights flown by others.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Providing training and interpretation in the use of methods or procedures for observing and checking controls for geodetic and plane coordinates
staying humanThe value here is that a specific person handles interpretation and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 4 · CoreSource: “Provide training and interpretation in the use of methods or procedures for observing and checking controls for geodetic and plane coordinates.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 26 out of 100 (19–33 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Course material can be prepared, but teaching colleagues to check controls properly works best alongside them.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Planning or directing the work of geodetic surveying staff
staying humanThe value here is that a specific person handles the work of geodetic surveying staff and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 4 · CoreSource: “Plan or direct the work of geodetic surveying staff, providing technical consultation as needed.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 26 out of 100 (19–33 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Planning the crew's work and advising on technique is management that depends on knowing the people and the project.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Reading current literature, talk with colleagues
staying humanThe value here is that a specific person handles current literature, talk and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 4 · CoreSource: “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.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 25 out of 100 (18–32 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Reading and conferences are widely available, but the point is that a person builds and keeps their own expertise.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Developing criteria for the design and modification of survey instruments
staying humanThe ratings behind this row put criteria well outside what today's tools can do on their own.
importance 2 · SupplementalSource: “Develop criteria for the design and modification of survey instruments.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 21 out of 100 (14–28 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the five ratings behind the score, with no single dominant reason.
The rating behind it: Setting design criteria for survey instruments is specialist engineering judgement built on hands-on experience with the kit.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Training assistants and helpers and directing their work in such activities as performing surveys or drafting maps
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: assistants, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · CoreSource: “Train assistants and helpers, and direct their work in such activities as performing surveys or drafting maps.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 18 out of 100 (11–25 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Training material can be written, but showing helpers how to run a survey happens alongside them in the field.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Determining longitudes and latitudes of important features and boundaries in survey areas
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: longitudes, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · CoreSource: “Determine longitudes and latitudes of important features and boundaries in survey areas, using theodolites, transits, levels, and satellite-based global positioning systems (GPS).” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 8 out of 100 (4–12 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Taking readings with a theodolite or GPS receiver requires someone standing at the point being measured.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Determining orientation of tracts of land
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: orientation of tracts of land, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · CoreSource: “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.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 8 out of 100 (4–12 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Fixing the position and shape of a parcel requires the survey equipment set up on that land.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Locating and marking sites selected for geophysical prospecting activities
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: sites, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 3 · SupplementalSource: “Locate and mark sites selected for geophysical prospecting activities, such as efforts to locate petroleum or other mineral products.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 7 out of 100 (0–14 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Working out where the stakes go can be calculated, but driving them into the ground happens on site.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Surveying bodies of water to determine navigable channels and to secure data for construction of breakwaters
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: bodies of water, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · CoreSource: “Survey bodies of water to determine navigable channels and to secure data for construction of breakwaters, piers, and other marine structures.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 6 out of 100 (2–10 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Surveying a waterway means getting a boat and equipment out onto the water.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Testifying as an expert witness in court cases on land survey issues
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: an expert witness, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · CoreSource: “Testify as an expert witness in court cases on land survey issues, such as property boundaries.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 1 out of 100 (0–5 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Only the licensed surveyor can take the stand and be cross-examined about their own work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 4/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Adjusting surveying instruments to maintain their accuracy
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: instruments, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · CoreSource: “Adjust surveying instruments to maintain their accuracy.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Adjusting instruments is hands-on work with the equipment itself.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Establishing fixed points for use in making maps
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: fixed points, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · CoreSource: “Establish fixed points for use in making maps, using geodetic and engineering instruments.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–7 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence, and it moved between repeat runs, so the range is widened.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Fixed survey points are physical markers that have to be set and observed in the field.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
What this job pays, and how many people do it
- Median pay
- $75,440a year, the middle of the range, so half earn more and half earn less.bls-oews, 2025 · May 2025 estimates (national_M2025_dl.xlsx)
How we know this
Source: bls-oews
Reference period: May 2025 estimates (national_M2025_dl.xlsx)
Rounding: Shown as published.
- People doing this job
- 50,830in the US, 2025.bls-oews · May 2025 estimates (national_M2025_dl.xlsx)
What is deliberately not here: a forecast of how many of these jobs exist in ten years. Where an official projection exists for a market we publish it with its vintage; where it does not, we leave the space empty rather than borrow the other country’s number.
Why this is shifting
The reason is boringly specific. Most of what is shifting here is reading one thing and writing another: the exact horizontal in, a record out. The rows above are exactly that shape: calculating the exact horizontal and vertical position of points on the Earth's surface and calculating heights, depths, relative positions, property lines and other characteristics of terrain. What it cannot do is be answerable: surveys need a named person the rules will accept, and software cannot be that person. Which is why this page talks about your tasks changing, not your job ending.
Your move
Over a pint: what I’d tell you if you were my friend
Your week is splitting in two, and which half fills it is the whole question. Calculating the exact horizontal and vertical position of points on the Earth's surface is going; directing or conducting surveys to establish legal boundaries is not.
So, given all that: 23% of this job's task weight sits in rows the software is already learning, 38% in rows that change shape rather than disappear, and 39% in rows it is nowhere near. That is the position, measured across 40 scored tasks. It is not a forecast about you.
The occupation is an average and you are not, so the first job below is finding out where your own week actually sits.
This week: one thing
Print the task ledger above and put your own hours next to each row. Roughly, in pen, in one sitting. Then look at which group your hours actually pile up in. Twenty minutes, this week.
- What you end up holding
- your own week, on one page, sorted into what is shifting and what is not
- How long it takes
- about twenty minutes
If printing it isn’t practical: Read the rows off this page and write the same list on the back of an envelope. Same twenty minutes, same page, and it works just as well said out loud to someone who knows the job. The point is your hours next to the rows, not the paper it is on.
Over the next 90 days
Volunteer toward the durable end, visibly. Over the next ninety days put your hand up for the work in the bottom group (directing or conducting surveys to establish legal boundaries) and let people see you doing it. Not a new project: the same job, with your mix deliberately tilted. The point is that when the rota or the reorganisation comes, the version of you people picture is the one doing the part that stays.
Over the next 12 months
Claim a specialism at the durable end and let the other end go. Over a year, deliberately become the person who handles directing or conducting surveys to establish legal boundaries, and deliberately stop being the first choice for the rows in the top group. That trade costs something, because the exposed work is often the comfortable work. Decide it on purpose rather than by drift. Before you pay for anything, use CareerOneStop - Find local training. It is free, it is the Labor Department's own service, and it is listed below with the rest of the free routes.
The roads out of here, and why I am not sending you down them
I looked at the obvious moves out of this job, and here is what I found.
I checked the 12 nearest US occupations to surveyors (nearest by the work that AI is not taking, not by job title), and none of them survived. The closest was surveying and mapping technicians: only about 5% of its durable work is work you already do and it pays 28.1% less. Your own job splits about 23/77: that share of the list sits in the top exposure band and the rest does not. On this evidence the honest move is inside the job rather than out of it. Become the person who owns “direct or conduct surveys to establish legal boundaries for properties, based on…”, and let the exposed end go.
How that was checked: this job was compared against all 830 US occupations in this release on their official task statements, and the 12 nearest were examined one by one. A move that turns on an industry, an employer or a qualification rather than on the work itself will not show up in a check like that. And this release carries no licence register, so anything you are weighing needs that looked up separately.
3 moves I checked and rejected
These are the obvious-looking jumps. They are here with their reasons rather than quietly dropped, because the ones that fail are worth knowing about. It is one less thing to turn over at night.
Surveying and Mapping Technicians
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour on the work AI is not taking: you already develop criteria for survey methods and procedures, and their equivalent is to provide assistance in the development of methods and procedures for conducting field surveys. Across both published task lists that is about 5% of the durable work in that job.
Why I am not recommending it: Almost none of it is work you already do: about 5% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step. It is a pay cut, in those words: $54,240 against your $75,440, 28.1% less (OEWS May 2025 (both)). Retraining to earn less is a decision, not advice.
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour on the work AI is not taking: you already direct or conduct surveys to establish legal boundaries for properties, based on legal…, and their equivalent is to study legal records to establish boundaries of local, national, and international properties. Across both published task lists that is about 3% of the durable work in that job.
Why I am not recommending it: Almost none of it is work you already do: about 3% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step. I will not move you off one melting floe onto another: 84% of its own task list already scores in the top exposure band (69/100 in this release), so the same software is eating it.
Survey Researchers
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour on the work AI is not taking: you already analyze survey objectives and specifications to prepare survey proposals or to direct others…, and their equivalent is to direct and review the work of staff members. Across both published task lists that is about 3% of the durable work in that job.
Why I am not recommending it: Almost none of it is work you already do: about 3% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step. And it is a narrow door: about 8,290 of those jobs against 50,830 of yours (OEWS May 2025), 16% as many seats.
What I’d stop worrying about
A friend tells you what not to spend fear on. This is that list.
The headline number you read somewhere
The big “X% of jobs” figures are about the whole economy, not about you. The number that describes your job is on this page: 23% of its task weight, across 40 scored tasks. Every row behind it is printed above with the source. Check ours; ignore theirs.
The whole-job doom story
Nothing on this page says this job ends. It says the mix inside it moves. Half the rows above are unchanged or changing shape, and the plan is about which half your week sits in. That is a very different problem, and a solvable one.
Panic-buying a course
Do the twenty-minute sorting exercise first. Most people who buy a course before they have done it buy the wrong one, and the free services listed below will tell you the same thing without charging for it.
The “obvious” next job everyone suggests
I checked the obvious moves and most of them did not survive. The reasons are printed with the routes above, including the pay and the gate. A move that fails on the numbers is worth knowing about so you can stop turning it over at night.
You are reading the United States figures
The United Kingdom splits this work across more than one official group, of which Chartered surveyors is the closest. The pay and employment figures are not directly comparable, and we do not average them together.
Switch to the United Kingdom page →partial match
In UK official statistics this job is counted as Chartered surveyors. Pay and employment stay on this page’s own group; the task list and the scores do not cross over.
Your route through this
Where to go next, and what it costs
Free, and complete
The moves above cost nothing. These are the real services that go with them: public, government-funded, and free at the point of use. Nothing on this page is behind an email address or a payment.
Anywhere in the US:
CareerOneStop - Find local training
Search what's running near you, from the Labor Department's own database, before anyone sells you a course.
Free to search; individual programs vary, and some are funded
Anywhere in the US:
An American Job Center will sit down with you for free. Find yours by ZIP code.
Free
Anywhere in the US:
CareerOneStop - Licensed occupations finder
Check what your state actually requires before you pay for anything.
Free
Anywhere in the US:
Free
No Space for this job, but one for what is happening to it
Nothing Collab365 runs is built for surveyors, and we are not going to point you at the nearest one and call it a fit.
There is one that is not about a job title at all. The AI Authority is about being the person who directs these tools at work rather than the person they get compared to. That is worth saying here, because 23% of the work on this page is already inside what they can do.
7 days free, no card needed. Explore up to 2 Spaces before you choose a plan: you pick a plan later, not now.
The AI Authority is a general community about working with AI, not a course for surveyors. You do not need it to act on anything here: the moves above cost nothing and stand on their own. The data on this page is the same either way.
Noted, and thank you. We’ll email you if a Space for surveyors launches. Nothing else.
That did not look like an email address, so nothing was saved. Have another go below.
We could not save that. The fault is ours, not yours, and your address was not stored. Please try again later.
No deadline on any of this. The page will still be here, and the data is refreshed on a published schedule rather than when someone wants a headline.
Questions people ask about this job
- Will AI replace Surveyors?
- Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 40 official task statements scored for Surveyors (United States, SOC 17-1022), 23% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 43 out of 100 (range 38–49, band: partial). That is a statement about tasks, not about headcount: this measures what AI could do, not whether any employer adopts it, whether the law allows it, or whether doing the routine parts faster creates more demand for the human parts. Figures are from release 2026-q4.1.
- Which tasks in “Surveyors” can AI already do?
- The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Verify the mathematical correctness of newly collected survey data” (88/100, very high); “Calculate the exact horizontal and vertical position of points on the Earth's surface” (88/100, very high); “Distribute compiled geodetic data to government agencies or the general public” (85/100, very high). Each score comes from five published 0–4 ratings turned into a number by a published formula, and each carries the model's one-sentence reason on the page.
- Which tasks in “Surveyors” stay human?
- About 39% of this job's task weight sits in work that scores low for AI exposure. The lowest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Establish fixed points for use in making maps, using geodetic and engineering instruments” (0/100, minimal); “Adjust surveying instruments to maintain their accuracy” (0/100, minimal); “Testify as an expert witness in court cases on land survey issues, such as property boundaries” (1/100, minimal). Low scores usually mean the task needs a body in a room, a legally accountable human, or trust built in real time. Those are the three things the scoring rubric treats as gates rather than obstacles.
- What should someone working in “Surveyors” do about AI?
- Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 23% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 39% is not. The practical move is to spend more of your week on the tasks that score low, the ones above, and to get fluent at directing AI through the tasks that score high, because those are the parts that change whether or not you are ready for them. This page does not predict your job, and nothing here is career advice tailored to you: the score describes the occupation, not the person.
- How is the AI exposure score for Surveyors calculated?
- Each official task statement for the occupation is rated on five published 0–4 dimensions (output replicability, physical embodiment, licensed accountability, real-time human trust, and data availability) by claude-opus-5 using scoring prompt task_scoring_v1.0. The model never writes the score; a published formula turns the five ratings into a 0–100 number, so every score can be recomputed by hand. The occupation figure is the importance-weighted mean across 40 scored tasks. The prompt, the rubric, the formula and the full dataset are published at https://futureproof.collab365.com/method and https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1 under CC BY 4.0.
Where these numbers come from
About the data on this page
- One task scored differently between repeat runs, so its range on this page is wider. We would rather show the wobble than hide it.
- The match between this job and its counterpart in the other country is partial, so the two pages count slightly different groups of people.
- 5 of this occupation's scored task statements carry a score that was measured under a different occupation's context, because the statement is shared between jobs and has only been scored once so far. Each one names the occupation it was measured under in the free routes below; none is presented as a measurement for this job.
- Task clusters are not derived in this release, so the task-cluster field is empty and no Collab365 Space routing is attached to this occupation yet.
- Task statements
- onet-dbProcessing: catalogue-bridge → onet-im-rt-weighting → task-scoring → score-aggregation
- Task weights
- onet-db (im-rt)
- Scores
- Rubric task_scoring_v1.0, model claude-opus-5, computed 2026-08-05.
- Pay and employment
- bls-oews (May 2025 estimates (national_M2025_dl.xlsx))bls-oews (May 2025 estimates (national_M2025_dl.xlsx))
Figures on this page come from release 2026-q4.1, published 2026-08-05. Every release keeps its own permanent address, so a figure you cite in March is still there, unchanged, in November.
The plain-English wording on this page is assembled directly from the task statements and the published ratings, not written by hand for this occupation. That is why it is specific, and it is also why we say so.
The routes and free resources further up are today’s, not the release’s (last reviewed 2026-08-05). A route is an offer, not a historical fact, so it moves on its own clock.
Using these figures?
Cite this
Everything on this site is published under CC BY 4.0. Quote it, chart it, sell something built on it. Just say where it came from, and cite the dated release rather than the site, so the figure you quote stays checkable.
Plain text
Collab365 (2026). Collab365 Futureproof: task-level AI exposure for US and UK occupations, release 2026-q4.1 (methodVersion 2.0.0, promptVersion task_scoring_v1.0). https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1. Licensed CC BY 4.0. Built with O*NET data (USDOL/ETA, CC BY 4.0); ONS data (Open Government Licence v3.0); GAISI task framework (arXiv:2507.22748, MIT); BLS data (public domain).
BibTeX
@misc{collab365futureproof2026q41,
title = {Collab365 Futureproof: task-level AI exposure for US and UK occupations, release 2026-q4.1},
author = {{Collab365}},
year = {2026},
url = {https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1},
note = {Release 2026-q4.1, methodVersion 2.0.0, promptVersion task_scoring_v1.0, CC BY 4.0}
}Data as of release 2026-q4.1, published . Releases never change after publication; when the figures move, a new dated release is published beside this one and this one stays exactly where it is.