AI exposure by occupation, O*NET 15-1299.02
Will AI replace Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians?
Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians: AI can already handle 17 of 29 tasks; the work mostly needs a frontier-tier model.
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Every task, scored
The 29 tasks O*NET 30.3 lists for Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians, from most to least exposed. 17 reach 60 or more, the level at which AI already handles a task.
| Task | AI exposure | Evidence | Model tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Confer with users to analyze, configure, or troubleshoot applications. | Observed | Frontier | |
| Create, analyze, report, convert, or transfer data, using specialized applications program software. | Observed | Frontier | |
| 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. | Estimated | Standard | |
| Review existing or incoming data for currency, accuracy, usefulness, quality, or completeness of documentation. | Observed | Standard | |
| Collect, compile, or integrate Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, such as remote sensing or cartographic data for inclusion in map manuscripts. | Estimated | Frontier | |
| Recommend procedures, equipment, or software upgrades to increase data accessibility or ease of use. | Observed | Frontier | |
| Produce data layers, maps, tables, or reports, using spatial analysis procedures or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, equipment, or systems. | Estimated | Frontier | |
| Provide technical expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to clients or users. | Estimated | Frontier | |
| Perform integrated or computerized Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analyses to address scientific problems. | Estimated | Standard | |
| Select cartographic elements needed for effective presentation of information. | Estimated | Frontier | |
| Meet with clients to discuss topics such as technical specifications, customized solutions, or operational problems. | Estimated | Frontier | |
| Assist users in formulating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) requirements or understanding the implications of alternatives. | Estimated | Standard | |
| Create visual representations of geospatial data, using complex procedures such as analytical modeling, three-dimensional renderings, or plot creation. | Estimated | Frontier | |
| Transfer or rescale information from original photographs onto maps or other photographs. | Estimated | Frontier | |
| Apply three-dimensional (3D) or four-dimensional (4D) technologies to geospatial data to allow for new or different analyses or applications. | Estimated | Standard | |
| Interpret aerial or ortho photographs. | Estimated | Standard | |
| Make recommendations regarding upgrades, considering implications of new or revised Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, equipment, or applications. | Estimated | Frontier | |
| Design or prepare graphic representations of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, using GIS hardware or software applications. | Estimated | Standard | |
| Design or coordinate the development of integrated Geographic Information Systems (GIS) spatial or non-spatial databases. | Estimated | Frontier | |
| Provide technical support to users or clients regarding the maintenance, development, or operation of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases, equipment, or applications. | Estimated | Frontier | |
| Document, design, code, or test Geographic Information Systems (GIS) models, internet mapping solutions, or other applications. | Estimated | Standard | |
| Design, program, or model Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications or procedures. | Estimated | Frontier | |
| Develop specialized computer software routines, internet-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases, or business applications to customize geographic information. | Estimated | Frontier | |
| Conduct research, data analysis, systems design, or support for software such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or Global Positioning Systems (GPS) mapping software. | Estimated | Efficient | |
| 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. | Estimated | Standard | |
| 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. | Observed | Frontier | |
| Prepare training materials for, or make presentations to, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) users. | Estimated | Efficient | |
| Maintain or modify existing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases. | Estimated | Standard | |
| Perform geospatial data building, modeling, or analysis, using advanced spatial analysis, data manipulation, or cartography software. | Estimated | No tier |
Observed: scored from AI use recorded in the Anthropic Economic Index (June 2026 release), 5 of 29 tasks. Estimated: scored from the task's O*NET 30.3 work activity, 24 of 29. Importance is O*NET's 1 to 5 rating of how central the task is. Model tier is the lowest tier that can do the task under the published rubric; "No tier" marks hands-on work.
The model tier this role needs
A frontier-tier model or lower covers 96% of the role's importance-weighted task work. 96% of the work is something AI can address at some tier, and 4% is hands-on.
Efficient, standard and frontier tiers come from the JobRoute model tier reference. The recommended tier is the lowest one that covers 80% of the work AI can address. How the method works.
Wages, employment and outlook
- US employment
- 435,370
- Median annual wage
- $116,580
- Middle half of earners
- $79,370 to $157,500
- Projected change, 2024 to 2034
- +8.2%
Employment and wages: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, national. Projection: BLS Employment Projections 2024 to 2034. BLS publishes these figures by SOC code, so O*NET occupations that share a SOC code show the same figures.
Adjacent roles
The occupations that reuse the most of this role's skills, with the usual time to move. These are the first places to look when you plan to redeploy or retrain people in this role.
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians 74% skill overlap, about 9 months to move Exposure70
- Precision Agriculture Technicians 69% skill overlap, about 11 months to move Exposure62
- Geographers 69% skill overlap, about 11 months to move Exposure67
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists 69% skill overlap, about 11 months to move Exposure69
- Geodetic Surveyors 68% skill overlap, about 11 months to move Exposure56
Skill overlap and transition time from the JobRoute role adjacency graph on O*NET 30.3 skills.
Questions about Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians and AI
Will AI replace Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians?
AI already handles 17 of the 29 tasks O*NET lists for this occupation, at a task exposure of 60 or more, and the role's importance-weighted exposure is 63 out of 100. JobRoute scores tasks, not whole jobs, so the score shows how much of the work changes rather than whether the job disappears. BLS projects employment to change by +8.2% from 2024 to 2034.
What is the AI exposure of Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians?
63 out of 100 on JobRoute's task exposure measure, the importance-weighted average of the role's O*NET task scores. Higher means more of the work is AI-doable today. 5 of the 29 task scores are observed in the Anthropic Economic Index (June 2026 release), and the other 24 are estimated from each task's O*NET work activity.
Which Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians tasks can AI already do?
The tasks with the highest exposure are: Confer with users to analyze, configure, or troubleshoot applications; Create, analyze, report, convert, or transfer data, using specialized applications program software; 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. They are three of the 17 tasks that reach 60 or more.
What AI model tier does this role need?
A frontier-tier model or lower covers 96% of the role's importance-weighted task work. JobRoute assigns each task the lowest tier that can do it under a published rubric and recommends the lowest tier that covers 80% of the work AI can address.
How many people work as Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians, and what do they earn?
435,370 people in the United States, with a median annual wage of $116,580 (BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025). BLS Employment Projections expect a change of +8.2% from 2024 to 2034.
How to cite
Data version 2026-11-02, JobRoute method v1.0.0. Download all occupations or this occupation as JSON. Methodology.
JobRoute (2026). AI exposure: Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians. Data version 2026-11-02, method v1.0.0. Built on O*NET 30.3, BLS OEWS May 2025 and the Anthropic Economic Index (June 2026). CC BY 4.0. https://www.jobroute.ai/jobs/geographic-information-systems-technologists-and-technicians
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