Will AI replace Geographers?

AI can do 76% of the work Geographers do at least twice as fast. People already use it for 1 of their 12 tasks, while 7 more are ready but barely used so far. Robots can technically handle 1 physical task. 3 still need a person.

AI is already doing this1 · 15% of time

People already use AI for these tasks in real work, based on Anthropic's analysis of how Claude is used.

  • Write and present reports of research findings.Mostly automated15% of time

AI could do this next7 · 61% of time

AI can speed these up by at least half, but real use has not caught up yet. These are next in line.

  • Create and modify maps, graphs, or diagrams, using geographical information software and related equipment, and principles of cartography, such as coordinate systems, longitude, latitude, elevation, topography, and map scales.19% of time
  • Analyze geographic distributions of physical and cultural phenomena on local, regional, continental, or global scales.13% of time
  • Provide geographical information systems support to the private and public sectors.8% of time
  • Study the economic, political, and cultural characteristics of a specific region's population.6% of time
  • Develop, operate, and maintain geographical information computer systems, including hardware, software, plotters, digitizers, printers, and video cameras.5% of time
  • Locate and obtain existing geographic information databases.5% of time
  • Provide consulting services in fields such as resource development and management, business location and market area analysis, environmental hazards, regional cultural history, and urban social planning.5% of time

Robots can technically do this1 · 3% of time

Physical tasks that today's robots can perform in at least some settings. Robots are cost competitive for very few tasks so far, so this change moves slower.

  • Collect data on physical characteristics of specified areas, such as geological formations, climates, and vegetation, using surveying or meteorological equipment.Robots: almost anywhere3% of time

Still needs a person3 · 22% of time

No real AI use, no proven AI speedup and no robot that can do it yet. This is the part of the job to build on.

  • Gather and compile geographic data from sources such as censuses, field observations, satellite imagery, aerial photographs, and existing maps.14% of time
  • Teach geography.4% of time
  • Conduct field work at outdoor sites.4% of time

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What this means

AI can already do almost all of this work at least twice as fast. Real use is still behind at 14 out of 100, so the change here is only getting started. Expect the role to shift toward deciding what to do, checking AI's work and owning the result.

What to do next

  • Do the 1 task AI is already handling with AI yourself. Your peers already are, and it is quickly becoming the baseline.
  • Get ahead on the 7 tasks AI could do next. These move as tools improve, so learning them early pays off.
  • Keep an eye on the 1 physical task robots can technically do. Cost keeps most robots out of work today, so this shift is slower.
  • Build on the 3 tasks that stay human. This is where your judgment, skill and relationships matter most.
Anthropologists and Archeologists81%Historians66%Political Scientists96%Transportation Planners95%Economists81%School Psychologists86%

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