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How a geodetic surveyor can use AI, task by task

O*NET 17-1022.01: Geodetic SurveyorsMedian pay $75,440/year (BLS, May 2025)16 tasksJob Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Measure large areas of the Earth's surface using satellite observations, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), light detection and ranging (LIDAR), or related sources.

Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: Geodesist, Geodetic Advisor, Geodetic Engineer, Geodetic Survey Director, Geodetic Surveyor, Land Surveyor, Licensed Land Surveyor.

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 53%AI-assist 23%Stays human 24%

Share of the job's tasks, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 8 AI-ready, 4 AI-assist and 4 human-led tasks out of 16. This measures where AI can help, not whether the job will disappear.

Information & paperwork
Thinking & planning
People & communication
Leading & teaching
Hands-on & physical

Shape of the job: importance of each kind of work activity (O*NET, 1 to 5).

AI can draft these 8

AI produces a usable first pass. You review it, fix it and own it.

Calculate the exact horizontal and vertical position of points on the Earth's surface.

Weekly

AI finds trends and writes the spreadsheet formulas.

Show prompt & steps

Paste a spreadsheet or table and ask AI to find trends, outliers and totals, or to write the formula you need. It's like having an analyst on call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a geodetic surveyor. Part of my job is to calculate the exact horizontal and vertical position of points on the Earth's surface.

Context: We use Carlson Simplicity Sight Survey and National Geodetic Survey NGS Geodetic Toolkit; the work draws on geography, mathematics and engineering and technology.
Survey data: [paste measurements]
Goal: [positions, areas, elevations]

Walk through computations and formulas. Show your working step by step and give spreadsheet formulas so I can reproduce the numbers.

10-minute exercise: Survey data computation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you calculate the exact horizontal and vertical position of points (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Survey data] and [Goal] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Recompute the most important number yourself before you trust the rest.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Calculate geographic positions from survey data..

Maintain databases of geodetic and related information, including coordinate, descriptive, or quality assurance data.

Weekly

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a geodetic surveyor. Part of my job is to maintain databases of geodetic and related information, including coordinate, descriptive, or quality assurance data.

Context: We use Microsoft Word.
Records: [geodetic, performance]
Needs: [describe]

Draft structure and entries. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Records system upkeep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you maintain databases of geodetic and related information (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Records] and [Needs] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every fact, name and number against your source before it goes anywhere.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Maintain operational records or records systems..

Analyze control or survey data to ensure adherence to project specifications or land survey standards.

Weekly

AI finds trends and writes the spreadsheet formulas.

Show prompt & steps

Paste a spreadsheet or table and ask AI to find trends, outliers and totals, or to write the formula you need. It's like having an analyst on call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a geodetic surveyor. Part of my job is to analyze control or survey data to ensure adherence to project specifications or land survey standards.

Context: We use Carlson Simplicity Sight Survey and National Geodetic Survey NGS Geodetic Toolkit; the work draws on geography, mathematics and engineering and technology.
Data: [paste feedback, survey, process data]
Goal: [improvement]

Analyze and suggest changes. Show your working step by step and give spreadsheet formulas so I can reproduce the numbers.

10-minute exercise: Process or product evaluation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you analyze control (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Data] and [Goal] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Recompute the most important number yourself before you trust the rest.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Analyze operational data to evaluate operations, processes or products..

Verify the mathematical correctness of newly collected survey data.

Weekly

AI is a tireless first-pass checker.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 63% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI is a tireless proofreader. It catches inconsistencies, missing fields and errors across documents and data, so your review time goes on what matters.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a geodetic surveyor. Part of my job is to verify the mathematical correctness of newly collected survey data.

Context: We use Carlson Simplicity Sight Survey and National Geodetic Survey NGS Geodetic Toolkit; the work draws on geography, mathematics and engineering and technology.
Calculations: [paste survey or measurement data and results]
Method: [formulas used]

Recheck the math step by step and flag discrepancies. Make a table: requirement, met / not met / unclear, and the exact evidence.

10-minute exercise: Calculation check

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you verify the mathematical correctness of newly collected survey data (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Calculations] and [Method] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Do your usual review too, and note what AI caught and what it missed.

AI can miss things and sound sure about it. Use it to catch extra problems, not as the final check.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Verify mathematical calculations..

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.

Monthly

AI finds trends and writes the spreadsheet formulas.

Show prompt & steps

Paste a spreadsheet or table and ask AI to find trends, outliers and totals, or to write the formula you need. It's like having an analyst on call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a geodetic surveyor. Part of my job is to 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.

Context: We use Carlson Simplicity Sight Survey and National Geodetic Survey NGS Geodetic Toolkit; the work draws on geography, mathematics and engineering and technology.
Survey data: [paste measurements]
Goal: [positions, areas, elevations]

Walk through computations and formulas. Show your working step by step and give spreadsheet formulas so I can reproduce the numbers.

10-minute exercise: Survey data computation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you compute horizontal and vertical coordinates of control networks.
Step 2Fill in [Survey data] and [Goal] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Recompute the most important number yourself before you trust the rest.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Calculate geographic positions from survey data..

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.

Weekly

AI is a patient tutor for new rules and techniques.

Show prompt & steps

AI is a patient personal tutor. It explains new rules, techniques and technology at your level, quizzes you and builds a study plan.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a geodetic surveyor. Part of my job is to 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.

Context: The work draws on geography, mathematics and engineering and technology.
Field: [data science, landscape design, engineering]
Topics: [new methods, products, trends]

Explain the key developments in 5 short sections with examples, quiz me, and list sources to read. I'll verify sources exist.

10-minute exercise: Technical knowledge refresh

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you read current literature (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Field] and [Topics] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Read one source it lists in full.

AI's knowledge has a cutoff date. For new regulations and standards, always confirm against the official source.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Update technical knowledge..

Prepare progress or technical reports.

Monthly

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 80% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a geodetic surveyor. Part of my job is to prepare progress or technical reports.

Context: We use Microsoft Word.
Operation: [production, claims, systems]
Data: [paste figures]

Draft a report with highlights, issues and actions. Show calculations. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Operations report

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare progress or technical reports.
Step 2Fill in [Operation] and [Data] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every fact, name and number against your source before it goes anywhere.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 3.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare operational reports..

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.

Monthly

AI finds trends and writes the spreadsheet formulas.

Show prompt & steps

Paste a spreadsheet or table and ask AI to find trends, outliers and totals, or to write the formula you need. It's like having an analyst on call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a geodetic surveyor. Part of my job is to 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.

Context: We use Carlson Simplicity Sight Survey and National Geodetic Survey NGS Geodetic Toolkit; the work draws on geography, mathematics and engineering and technology.
Survey data: [paste measurements]
Goal: [positions, areas, elevations]

Walk through computations and formulas. Show your working step by step and give spreadsheet formulas so I can reproduce the numbers.

10-minute exercise: Survey data computation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you compute retrace, or adjust existing surveys.
Step 2Fill in [Survey data] and [Goal] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Recompute the most important number yourself before you trust the rest.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Importance 3.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Calculate geographic positions from survey data..

AI can help you prep these 4

AI speeds up the prep, drafting or thinking. The core of the task is still yours.

Assess the quality of control data to determine the need for additional survey data for engineering, construction, or other projects.

Weekly

AI does the arithmetic and suggests what to look at; the conclusions are yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can do the arithmetic, build the spreadsheet formula and suggest what to look at. Deciding what the numbers mean for your situation is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a geodetic surveyor. Part of my job is to assess the quality of control data to determine the need for additional survey data for engineering, construction, or other projects.

Context: We use Carlson Simplicity Sight Survey and National Geodetic Survey NGS Geodetic Toolkit; the work draws on geography, mathematics and engineering and technology.
Data: [site, survey, imagery]
Purpose: [design, mapping]

Outline analysis and outputs. Show your working step by step and give spreadsheet formulas so I can reproduce the numbers.

10-minute exercise: Survey data analysis

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you assess the quality of control data (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Data] and [Purpose] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Recompute the most important number yourself before you trust the rest.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Analyze physical, survey, or geographic data..

Distribute compiled geodetic data to government agencies or the general public.

Weekly

AI builds you an answer bank; exceptions and the human touch are yours.

Show prompt & steps

Build a personal answer bank with AI for the questions you get every day. In the moment, the human touch and the judgment about exceptions are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a geodetic surveyor. Part of my job is to distribute compiled geodetic data to government agencies or the general public.

Context: We use National Geodetic Survey NGS Geodetic Toolkit and National Geodetic Survey NGS VERTCON; the work draws on geography, mathematics and engineering and technology.
Project: [design, data]
Audience: [public, agencies]

Write key points and FAQ answers. Keep answers to 2-3 sentences and flag any that depend on the situation.

10-minute exercise: Project explanation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you distribute compiled geodetic data (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Project] and [Audience] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Save the answers you'd actually use and tweak each one the first time you send it.

Don't paste customers' personal details into AI tools. Describe the situation instead.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Explain project details to the general public..

Review existing standards, controls, or equipment used, recommending changes or upgrades as needed.

Monthly

AI pre-checks against the rules; the sign-off stays with you.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 35% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI as a first-pass checker against a list of rules or standards. The final judgment and sign-off stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a geodetic surveyor. Part of my job is to review existing standards, controls, or equipment used, recommending changes or upgrades as needed.

Context: We use QuickCogo and Carlson Simplicity Sight Survey; the work draws on geography, mathematics and engineering and technology.
Design or specs: [describe]
Standards: [list]

Review conformance and recommend changes. Make a table: requirement, met / not met / unclear, and the exact evidence.

10-minute exercise: Design quality review

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you review existing standards, controls and equipment used.
Step 2Fill in [Design or specs] and [Standards] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Do your usual review too, and note what AI caught and what it missed.

AI can miss things and sound sure about it. Use it to catch extra problems, not as the final check.

Importance 3.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Evaluate designs or specifications to ensure quality..

Provide training and interpretation in the use of methods or procedures for observing and checking controls for geodetic and plane coordinates.

Monthly

AI preps the materials; reading the room is you.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps the materials: lesson outlines, quizzes, examples, practice scenarios. Reading the room and coaching people is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a geodetic surveyor. Part of my job is to provide training and interpretation in the use of methods or procedures for observing and checking controls for geodetic and plane coordinates.

Context: We use Microsoft PowerPoint and National Geodetic Survey NGS Geodetic Toolkit; the work draws on geography, mathematics and engineering and technology.
Procedure: [describe]
Trainees: [describe]

Plan training with demonstration, practice and sign-off criteria. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: Procedure training

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you provide training and interpretation.
Step 2Fill in [Procedure] and [Trainees] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Swap one AI example for a real story from your own work. Real stories are what people remember.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Train personnel on proper operational procedures..

These stay human 4

They need your hands, your presence or your accountable judgment. Lean into them: they get more valuable as routine work is automated.

📏 Measured in this job (O*NET work context): Face-to-face discussions: once a week or more but not every day · Contact with others: contact with others most of the time · Outdoors in all weather: once a week or more but not every day

Plan or direct the work of geodetic surveying staff, providing technical consultation as needed.

Weekly

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a geodetic surveyor. Part of my job is to plan or direct the work of geodetic surveying staff, providing technical consultation as needed.

Context: The work draws on geography, mathematics and engineering and technology.
Survey: [boundary, project]
Crew: [assistants]

Help me prepare: the key message in 2 sentences, what good looks like, how people might react and how I'll respond, and one thing I'll check next week.

10-minute exercise: Directing a survey crew

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you plan or direct the work of geodetic surveying staff (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Survey] and [Crew] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Direct surveying activities..

Conduct surveys to determine exact positions, measurement of points, elevations, lines, areas, volumes, contours, or other features of land surfaces.

Weekly

Needs your eyes on site. AI can build the checklist and the report.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can build your inspection checklists, explain standards and turn your notes and photos into clean reports.

Prep prompt

I work as a geodetic surveyor. Part of my job is to conduct surveys to determine exact positions, measurement of points, elevations, lines, areas, volumes, contours, or other features of land surfaces.

Context: The work draws on geography, mathematics and engineering and technology.
Area: [land, water]
Features: [what to map]

Make a survey plan and verification checklist. Group it by area, say what 'good' and 'bad' look like for each item, and add a short template for writing up what I find.

10-minute exercise: Feature survey plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you conduct surveys (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Area] and [Features] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Take it with you next time, tick it alongside your usual routine, and add anything it missed.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Survey land or bodies of water to measure or determine features..

Request additional survey data when field collection errors occur or engineering surveying specifications are not maintained.

Monthly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a geodetic surveyor. Part of my job is to request additional survey data when field collection errors occur or engineering surveying specifications are not maintained.

Context: The work draws on geography, mathematics and engineering and technology.
Survey: [type of survey, area, equipment]
Conditions: [weather, terrain, access]

Make me a pre-survey checklist (equipment, calibration, safety), a data recording template, and the most common sources of error to avoid.

10-minute exercise: Field survey prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you request additional survey data.
Step 2Before your next field survey, fill in [Survey] and [Conditions].
Step 3Use the recording template in the field and note one improvement afterward.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Gather physical survey data..

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.

Weekly

Needs your eyes on site. AI can build the checklist and the report.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can build your inspection checklists, explain standards and turn your notes and photos into clean reports.

Prep prompt

I work as a geodetic surveyor. Part of my job is to 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.

Context: The work draws on geography, mathematics and engineering and technology.
Area: [land, water]
Features: [what to map]

Make a survey plan and verification checklist. Group it by area, say what 'good' and 'bad' look like for each item, and add a short template for writing up what I find.

10-minute exercise: Feature survey plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you determine orientation of tracts of land (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Area] and [Features] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Take it with you next time, tick it alongside your usual routine, and add anything it missed.

Importance 3.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Survey land or bodies of water to measure or determine features..

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Your next moves

Skills to build

From O*NET's ratings of how important each skill is in this job, matched to which part of the work it supports.

Stays human Deepen these

They power the human-led work, which is the part of the job AI can't take over.

  • Monitoringimportance 3.4/5
    Used in: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
  • Coordinationimportance 3.0/5
    Used in: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
  • Instructingimportance 3.0/5
    Used in: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
  • Time Managementimportance 2.9/5
    Used in: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates

With AI Use these to work with AI

When AI does the first draft, these are the skills you use to brief it and check what comes back.

  • Critical Thinkingimportance 3.9/5
    Used in: Analyzing Data or Information
  • Reading Comprehensionimportance 4.0/5
    Used in: Analyzing Data or Information
  • Mathematicsimportance 4.1/5
    Used in: Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
  • Writingimportance 3.6/5
    Used in: Documenting/Recording Information

Where you could move

Related jobs from O*NET with the closest skill profile, favouring ones where more of the work stays human. No step down in preparation.

New tasks appearing in this job

O*NET has started tracking 1 new or updated task here: 0 AI-ready, 0 AI-assist, 1 stays human. They have no worker ratings yet, so they aren't counted in the bar above.

Determine orientation of tracts of land, including position, boundaries, size, and shape, using theodolites, electronic distance-measuring equipment, satellite-based positioning equipment, drones, land information systems, or other geodetic survey equipment.

New in O*NET

Needs your eyes on site. AI can build the checklist and the report.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can build your inspection checklists, explain standards and turn your notes and photos into clean reports.

Prep prompt

I work as a geodetic surveyor. Part of my job is to determine orientation of tracts of land, including position, boundaries, size, and shape, using theodolites, electronic distance-measuring equipment, satellite-based positioning equipment, drones, land information systems, or other geodetic survey equipment.

Context: The work draws on geography, mathematics and engineering and technology.
Area: [land, water]
Features: [what to map]

Make a survey plan and verification checklist. Group it by area, say what 'good' and 'bad' look like for each item, and add a short template for writing up what I find.

10-minute exercise: Feature survey plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you determine orientation of tracts of land.
Step 2Fill in [Area] and [Features] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Take it with you next time, tick it alongside your usual routine, and add anything it missed.

Updated O*NET task (05/2025), replacing: “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 work activity: Survey land or bodies of water to measure or determine features..

Getting into this job

Bachelor's degree is most common (81% of workers)

  • High school or less 4%
  • Certificate or some college 4%
  • Associate's 4%
  • Bachelor's 85%
  • Graduate degree 4%
  • On-the-job training: 3–6 months
  • Related experience: 1–2 years

What workers in this job report, from O*NET surveys (typical values).

Software in this job

In-demand tools from O*NET. Many now have AI built in, so check what yours can do before adding a new tool.

Amazon Web Services AWS softwareAutodesk AutoCADBentley MicroStationC#C++ESRI ArcGIS softwareHypertext markup language HTMLLinuxMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft PowerPoint