Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians

Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians score 59 out of 100, which is elevated exposure to AI. That ranks #99 of 923 US occupations, where #1 is the most exposed. Of the 29 tasks in this job, AI could speed up 5 on its own and 24 more with extra software built on top of it. In April–May 2026, 16 of these tasks showed up in real conversations with Claude, Anthropic's AI assistant.

59/ 100

Elevated

Rank: #99of 923 jobs
US workers: 435,370for Computer Occupations, All Other
Median pay: $116,580a year
In real AI use: 16 of 29tasks, April–May 2026

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Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

AI can speed this up on its own: 5 (17%)
AI can speed this up with extra software: 24 (83%)
Little or no AI speed-up: 0 (0%)

Maintain or modify existing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
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.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
Document, design, code, or test Geographic Information Systems (GIS) models, internet mapping solutions, or other applications.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
Design, program, or model Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications or procedures.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
Develop specialized computer software routines, internet-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases, or business applications to customize geographic information.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
Produce data layers, maps, tables, or reports, using spatial analysis procedures or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, equipment, or systems.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Design or prepare graphic representations of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, using GIS hardware or software applications.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Provide technical expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to clients or users.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
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.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Review existing or incoming data for currency, accuracy, usefulness, quality, or completeness of documentation.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Perform geospatial data building, modeling, or analysis, using advanced spatial analysis, data manipulation, or cartography software.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Design or coordinate the development of integrated Geographic Information Systems (GIS) spatial or non-spatial databases.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Perform integrated or computerized Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analyses to address scientific problems.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Select cartographic elements needed for effective presentation of information.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Provide technical support to users or clients regarding the maintenance, development, or operation of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases, equipment, or applications.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Collect, compile, or integrate Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, such as remote sensing or cartographic data for inclusion in map manuscripts.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Interpret aerial or ortho photographs.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Meet with clients to discuss topics such as technical specifications, customized solutions, or operational problems.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Create, analyze, report, convert, or transfer data, using specialized applications program software.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Confer with users to analyze, configure, or troubleshoot applications.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Make recommendations regarding upgrades, considering implications of new or revised Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, equipment, or applications.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Assist users in formulating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) requirements or understanding the implications of alternatives.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Create visual representations of geospatial data, using complex procedures such as analytical modeling, three-dimensional renderings, or plot creation.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Transfer or rescale information from original photographs onto maps or other photographs.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Prepare training materials for, or make presentations to, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) users.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Apply three-dimensional (3D) or four-dimensional (4D) technologies to geospatial data to allow for new or different analyses or applications.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
Conduct research, data analysis, systems design, or support for software such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or Global Positioning Systems (GPS) mapping software.AI can speed this up with extra software · Seen in real AI use
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.AI can speed this up with extra software
Recommend procedures, equipment, or software upgrades to increase data accessibility or ease of use.AI can speed this up with extra software · Seen in real AI use

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Questions about geographic information systems technologists and technicians and AI

Will AI replace geographic information systems technologists and technicians?

Not entirely. Parts of the job are likely to change as AI takes over routine tasks. Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians score 59 out of 100 (elevated exposure), #99 of 923 US jobs. AI could speed up 29 of the job's 29 tasks, 5 of them on its own. Exposure means the work is likely to change, not that the job will disappear.

Which geographic information systems technologists and technicians tasks can AI do?

The most exposed tasks include "Maintain or modify existing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases"; "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"; "Document, design, code, or test Geographic Information Systems (GIS) models, internet mapping solutions, or other applications".

Which geographic information systems technologists and technicians tasks are hardest for AI?

Every task in this job has some AI exposure, though 24 of them need extra software built around the AI.

Are people already using AI for this work?

Yes. In April–May 2026, 16 of the 29 tasks showed up in real conversations with Claude, according to the Anthropic Economic Index.

How many people work as geographic information systems technologists and technicians, and what do they earn?

About 435,370 people in the US (figure for Computer Occupations, All Other), with median pay of $116,580 a year (BLS, May 2025).

How to read this score. Exposure measures how much of the work AI could speed up, not whether the job will disappear. A highly exposed job can change shape, with people spending less time on routine tasks and more on the rest. The score counts tasks AI can speed up on its own in full, and tasks that need extra software at half weight.

The ratings come from published research based on GPT-4 (2023). To show what's happening now, each task is also checked against the latest Anthropic Economic Index, which records which tasks people actually use AI for. That data is refreshed automatically when Anthropic publishes a new release. Read the full method.