Will AI replace Surveyors?

AI can do 71% of the work Surveyors do at least twice as fast. People already use it for 1 of their 24 tasks, while 17 more are ready but barely used so far. Robots can technically handle 3 physical tasks. 3 still need a person.

AI is already doing this1 · 0% of time

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

  • Develop criteria for the design and modification of survey instruments.Mostly automatedunder 1% of time

AI could do this next17 · 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.

  • Prepare and maintain sketches, maps, reports, and legal descriptions of surveys to describe, certify, and assume liability for work performed.13% of time
  • Verify the accuracy of survey data, including measurements and calculations conducted at survey sites.7% of time
  • Search legal records, survey records, and land titles to obtain information about property boundaries in areas to be surveyed.7% of time
  • Calculate heights, depths, relative positions, property lines, and other characteristics of terrain.6% of time
  • Coordinate findings with the work of engineering and architectural personnel, clients, and others concerned with projects.6% of time
  • Record the results of surveys, including the shape, contour, location, elevation, and dimensions of land or land features.5% of time
  • Prepare, or supervise preparation of, all data, charts, plots, maps, records, and documents related to surveys.5% of time
  • Determine longitudes and latitudes of important features and boundaries in survey areas, using theodolites, transits, levels, and satellite-based global positioning systems (GPS).5% of time
  • Write descriptions of property boundary surveys for use in deeds, leases, or other legal documents.4% of time
  • Analyze survey objectives and specifications to prepare survey proposals or to direct others in survey proposal preparation.4% of time
  • Establish fixed points for use in making maps, using geodetic and engineering instruments.2% of time
  • Compute geodetic measurements and interpret survey data to determine positions, shapes, and elevations of geomorphic and topographic features.2% of time
  • Develop criteria for survey methods and procedures.1% of time
  • Locate and mark sites selected for geophysical prospecting activities, such as efforts to locate petroleum or other mineral products.1% of time
  • Direct aerial surveys of specified geographical areas.1% of time
  • Conduct research in surveying and mapping methods, using knowledge of photogrammetric map compilation and electronic data processing.under 1% of time
  • Determine specifications for equipment to be used for aerial photography, as well as altitudes from which to photograph terrain.under 1% of time

Robots can technically do this3 · 10% 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.

  • Plan and conduct ground surveys designed to establish baselines, elevations, and other geodetic measurements.Robots: purpose built settings6% of time
  • Adjust surveying instruments to maintain their accuracy.Robots: purpose built settings2% of time
  • Survey bodies of water to determine navigable channels and to secure data for construction of breakwaters, piers, and other marine structures.Robots: structured workplaces1% of time

Still needs a person3 · 20% 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.

  • Direct or conduct surveys to establish legal boundaries for properties, based on legal deeds and titles.13% of time
  • Train assistants and helpers, and direct their work in such activities as performing surveys or drafting maps.5% of time
  • Testify as an expert witness in court cases on land survey issues, such as property boundaries.1% of time

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What this means

AI can do most of this work faster, but a real part of the job still needs a person. Real use is still behind at 0 out of 100, so the change here is only getting started. The people who learn which tasks to hand off will pull ahead.

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 17 tasks AI could do next. These move as tools improve, so learning them early pays off.
  • Keep an eye on the 3 physical tasks 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.
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists85%Geodetic Surveyors65%Architects, Except Landscape and Naval71%Landscape Architects67%Microsystems Engineers71%Solar Energy Systems Engineers72%

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