Also called: Lidar Data Technician, 3D Mapping Technician
Processes laser-scan data from planes, drones, and cars to build detailed 3D maps of the ground and buildings.
A lidar tech cleans billions of laser points, classifies ground, trees, and buildings, and creates elevation models used for flood maps and self-driving cars.
Associate's degree (2-year), about 2 years after high school. Associate or bachelor's in GIS or surveying.
Ways in: 2-year college, 4-year college. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: GIS, Surveying Technology.
Growing faster than average (about 5% over 10 years). BLS 2025-35 projection band for SOC 17-3031: Faster than average (5% to 6%).
Medium risk in 5 years, high in 10. Automated point classification is improving fast; techs shift to checking results, and fewer are needed.
Classes: Geometry, Computer applications, Physics.
Official data: O*NET occupation 17-3031.
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