Will AI replace Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians?
AI can do 100% of the work Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians do at least twice as fast. People already use it for 7 of their 29 tasks, while 22 more are ready but barely used so far.
AI is already doing this7 · 29% of time
People already use AI for these tasks in real work, based on Anthropic's analysis of how Claude is used.
- Perform computer programming, data analysis, or software development for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications, including the maintenance of existing systems or research and development for future enhancements.Mostly automated6% of time
- Perform geospatial data building, modeling, or analysis, using advanced spatial analysis, data manipulation, or cartography software.Mostly automated6% of time
- Provide technical expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to clients or users.Mostly assisted4% of time
- Provide technical support to users or clients regarding the maintenance, development, or operation of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases, equipment, or applications.Mostly automated4% of time
- Document, design, code, or test Geographic Information Systems (GIS) models, internet mapping solutions, or other applications.Mostly automated4% of time
- Create, analyze, report, convert, or transfer data, using specialized applications program software.Mostly automated4% of time
- Confer with users to analyze, configure, or troubleshoot applications.Mostly automated1% of time
AI could do this next22 · 71% of time
AI can speed these up by at least half, but real use has not caught up yet. These are next in line.
- Produce data layers, maps, tables, or reports, using spatial analysis procedures or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, equipment, or systems.11% of time
- Maintain or modify existing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases.9% of time
- Enter data into Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases, using techniques such as coordinate geometry, keyboard entry of tabular data, manual digitizing of maps, scanning or automatic conversion to vectors, or conversion of other sources of digital data.6% of time
- Review existing or incoming data for currency, accuracy, usefulness, quality, or completeness of documentation.6% of time
- Design or prepare graphic representations of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, using GIS hardware or software applications.5% of time
- Collect, compile, or integrate Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, such as remote sensing or cartographic data for inclusion in map manuscripts.5% of time
- Design or coordinate the development of integrated Geographic Information Systems (GIS) spatial or non-spatial databases.3% of time
- Perform integrated or computerized Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analyses to address scientific problems.3% of time
- Select cartographic elements needed for effective presentation of information.3% of time
- Meet with clients to discuss topics such as technical specifications, customized solutions, or operational problems.3% of time
- Design, program, or model Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications or procedures.3% of time
- Conduct research, data analysis, systems design, or support for software such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or Global Positioning Systems (GPS) mapping software.3% of time
- Read current literature, talk with colleagues, continue education, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, equipment, or systems.3% of time
- Interpret aerial or ortho photographs.1% of time
- Develop specialized computer software routines, internet-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases, or business applications to customize geographic information.1% of time
- Make recommendations regarding upgrades, considering implications of new or revised Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, equipment, or applications.1% of time
- Assist users in formulating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) requirements or understanding the implications of alternatives.1% of time
- Create visual representations of geospatial data, using complex procedures such as analytical modeling, three-dimensional renderings, or plot creation.1% of time
- Prepare training materials for, or make presentations to, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) users.1% of time
- Apply three-dimensional (3D) or four-dimensional (4D) technologies to geospatial data to allow for new or different analyses or applications.1% of time
- Recommend procedures, equipment, or software upgrades to increase data accessibility or ease of use.1% of time
- Transfer or rescale information from original photographs onto maps or other photographs.under 1% of time
Still needs a person0 · 0% 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.
- Every task in this job is touched by AI or robots in some way.
Your week is not the average
Describe what you actually do and get a personal report: your own tasks, what AI can already do, what stays yours and a 90 day plan.
What this means
AI can already do almost all of this work at least twice as fast. Real use is still behind at 26 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 7 tasks AI is already handling with AI yourself. Your peers already are, and it is quickly becoming the baseline.
- Get ahead on the 22 tasks AI could do next. These move as tools improve, so learning them early pays off.
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