Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists

Career summary

Remote sensing scientists and technologists gather data that can be used to:

• Get information about drought areas
• Map ocean currents
• Evaluate climate changes
• Predict weather

Remote sensing scientists and technologists determine what kind of information is required for a project and then figure out which type of sensor or device to use to get the information. Tools they use for gathering information include:

• Aerial photography
• Satellite images
• Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Scientists use these tools to collect data from places where humans cannot go, like space or the bottom of the ocean. Sometimes scientists and technologists go to a location to compare what they see there with the data they gather from the sensing devices.

Remote sensing scientists and technologists use computers and mathematical models to interpret data or create maps. They also use the data to write reports.

Related careers

This career is part of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Computer and Information Research Scientists
• Geographers
• Geographic Information Systems Specialists
• Geologists and Geophysicists
• Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists
• Natural Sciences Managers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to remote sensing scientists and technologists.

• Test data acquired from aircraft, satellites, or sensors on the ground using computers.
• Test and sort data obtained from remote sensing systems.
• Work with aerial and satellite pictures to create products such as maps that show the effects of climate change on forests.
• Develop and build databases for remote sensing and related geospatial project information.
• Decide if changes are needed by checking the quality of remote sensing data.
• Attend meetings or seminars and read current literature to maintain knowledge of developments in the field of remote sensing.
• Participate in fieldwork.
• Write and present reports that show data gathered from projects.
• Create and study ways to make better use of remote sensing technology.
• Talk about project goals, equipment, and methods with colleagues and team members.
• Integrate other geospatial data sources into projects.

Common work activities

Remote sensing scientists and technologists perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Use computers
• Process information
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Get information needed to do the job
• Analyze data or information
• Document and record information
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Think creatively
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Develop goals and strategies
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Teach others
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Evaluate information against standards
• Schedule work and activities
• Provide advice and consultation to others
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Develop and build teams
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Coach others
• Guide, direct, and motivate others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, remote sensing scientists and technologists:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a low to medium level of social interaction.
• Usually communicate via phone, e-mail, or in-person conversations.
• Have limited responsibility for the work done by others.
• Often work as part of a project team.

Physical work conditions

• Work mostly indoors, but occasionally work outdoors.
• May share office space with other workers.

Work performance

• Must be very exact and accurate when interpreting images and data.
• Usually do not consult a supervisor before making a decision or setting tasks and goals.
• Meet strict daily and weekly deadlines. This makes the work atmosphere somewhat competitive.
• Often make decisions that strongly impact coworkers and their company.
• Repeat the same physical and mental activities.

Hours/travel

• Usually work a standard work week.

Physical demands

Remote sensing scientists and technologists frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for remote sensing scientists and technologists to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for remote sensing scientists and technologists to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.

Skills and abilities

Remote sensing scientists and technologists need to:

Communicate

• Understand written information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.

Reason and problem solve

• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Identify what must be changed to reach goals.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.

Use math and science

• Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.
• Use scientific methods to solve problems.
• Use math skills to solve problems.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.

Work with things

• Analyze needs and requirements when designing products.

Perceive and visualize

• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.
• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Geophysics and Seismology

Other programs of study to consider

• Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
• Cartography
• Civil Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Geography
• Natural Sciences
• Physical Sciences, General
• Surveying Technology

Training

To work as a remote sensing technologist, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have at least an associate degree in a related field; and
• have related work experience.

To work as a remote sensing scientist, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• have at least a bachelor's degree in a related field.

Education after high school

Almost all remote sensing scientists and technologists have a bachelor's degree in geography, civil engineering, environmental engineering, planning, surveying and mapping, or a related physical science. Computer science courses are a good addition to a student's preparation for this job. In addition, more colleges and universities are offering certificates in remote sensing, GIS, photogrammetry, or a related field.

Technologists can study for this field by gaining an associate degree in geography or a related field and working their way into this occupation through experience. However, the standard education level is a bachelor's degree.

Many scientists in this field have a master's degree in geography or a related field. You need a doctoral (PhD) degree to teach remote sensing and geospatial information at a college. Many colleges and universities offer advanced degrees in geography.

Work experience

Working as a research assistant for a geographer is good experience for this field. Look for this kind of work when you are a college student. Some students complete an internship while in school. This is important work experience for finding a job.

On-the-job training

Depending on your employer, you may receive training on your first job. The length of training varies by employer, but may last up to one year.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum  may be different from your state's graduation requirements . Remote sensing scientists and technologists need a strong background in math and science. Try to take math classes through Trigonometry and science classes through Physics.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Computer Applications
• Computer Programming
• Computer Science
• Economics
• Geography

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers look for scientists who have earned at least a bachelor's degree in geography, civil engineering, or a related field. Technologists need to have a two-year degree to gain work.

Employers look for workers who know how to use computers and mapping software. Remote sensing scientists and technologists also need good written and oral communication skills.

Costs to workers

Some workers may wish to join a professional association, which may have annual dues.

#new occ 12/2010.

Wages

Currently, there is no specific statewide wage information available for remote sensing scientists and technologists. However, this occupation is part of the larger group called "all other physical scientists."

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. The individual's specialty and level of experience and responsibility also affect wages. Those who have supervisory duties usually earn higher wages.

Remote sensing scientists and technologists who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Some employers also provide a retirement plan. 

National wage information is not available specifically for remote sensing scientists and technologists. However, they are part of the larger group of "all other physical scientists."

Employment and outlook

#State Outlook

#Currently, there is no specific statewide outlook information available for remote sensing scientists and technologists. However, this occupation is part of the larger group called "all other physical scientists."

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Consulting firms
• Local, state, and federal government agencies

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will slower than average. The growing green sector of the economy may spur some growth. Remote sensing will be used as part of energy consulting and research into developing new environmentally friendly technologies and ideas. Advanced technologies, such as GPS, GIS, and remote sensing, will continue to increase both the accuracy and productivity of these workers. This will limit job growth to some extent.

Opportunities will be best for scientists and technologists with strong technical, computing, and communication skills. Job openings occur as workers retire or leave this occupation.

Employment and outlook information is not available specifically for remote sensing scientists and technologists. However, they are part of the larger group of "all other physical scientists."

Other resources

American Association for the Advancement of Science 
1200 New York Ave, NW
Washington,DC20005

American Geophysical Union 
2000 Florida Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20009
800.966.2481
202.462.6900

American Geosciences Institute 
4220 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22302
703.379.2480

American Institute of Professional Geologists 
1333 W. 120th Avenue
Suite 211
Westminster, Colorado 80234-2710
303.412.6205

American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) Career Brochure 

Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography 

Council for Agricultural Science and Technology 
4420 West Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50014
515.292.2125

Engineer Girl! 
National Academy of Engineering

Environmental & Engineering Geophysical Society 
1391 Speer Blvd., Ste 450
Denver, CO 80204
303.531.7517

National Academy of Sciences Interviews 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Room 5128
Washington, DC 20230
202.482.6090

National Science Foundation 
2415 Eisenhower Avenue
Alexandria, Virginia 2231

Society of Women Engineers 
130 East Randolph Street, Suite 3500
Chicago, IL 60601
877.793.4636

Technology Student Association 
1904 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1540
888.860.9010

Washington State Science & Engineering Fair 

References

Career cluster

• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists (19-2099.01) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed. Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience.

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Investigative/Conventional