Remote Sensing Scientist and Technologist

Also called: All Source Intelligence Analyst, Data Analytics Chief Scientist, Geospatial Image Analyst, Geospatial Intelligence Analyst, Image Scientist

Remote Sensing Scientist and Technologist

Varies

estimated salary

Remote sensing scientists and technologists apply remote sensing principles and methods to analyze data and solve problems in areas such as natural resource management, urban planning, or homeland security. May develop new sensor systems, analytical techniques, or new applications for existing systems.

  • Manage or analyze data obtained from remote sensing systems to obtain meaningful results.
  • Analyze data acquired from aircraft, satellites, or ground-based platforms, using statistical analysis software, image analysis software, or Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
  • Process aerial or satellite imagery to create products such as land cover maps.
  • Design or implement strategies for collection, analysis, or display of geographic data.
  • Integrate other geospatial data sources into projects.
  • Discuss project goals, equipment requirements, or methodologies with colleagues or team members.
  • Develop or build databases for remote sensing or related geospatial project information.
  • Collect supporting data, such as climatic or field survey data, to corroborate remote sensing data analyses.
  • Prepare or deliver reports or presentations of geospatial project information.
  • Participate in fieldwork.
  • Organize and maintain geospatial data and associated documentation.
  • Conduct research into the application or enhancement of remote sensing technology.
  • Train technicians in the use of remote sensing technology.
  • Attend meetings or seminars or read current literature to maintain knowledge of developments in the field of remote sensing.
  • Apply remote sensing data or techniques, such as surface water modeling or dust cloud detection, to address environmental issues.
  • Develop automated routines to correct for the presence of image distorting artifacts, such as ground vegetation.
  • Monitor quality of remote sensing data collection operations to determine if procedural or equipment changes are necessary.
  • Develop new analytical techniques or sensor systems.
  • Compile and format image data to increase its usefulness.
  • Set up or maintain remote sensing data collection systems.
  • Use remote sensing data for forest or carbon tracking activities to assess the impact of environmental change.
  • Direct all activity associated with implementation, operation, or enhancement of remote sensing hardware or software.
  • Direct installation or testing of new remote sensing hardware or software.
  • Recommend new remote sensing hardware or software acquisitions.
Work Context
  • Electronic Mail — 86% responded "Every day".
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 78% responded "Every day".
  • Spend Time Sitting — 50% responded "Continually or almost continually".
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 47% responded "Every day".
  • Freedom to Make Decisions — 43% responded "A lot of freedom".
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 43% responded "Extremely important".
  • Work With Work Group or Team — 61% responded "Very important".
  • Read More
Work Activities
  • Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  • Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
  • Read More
Detailed Work Activities
  • Analyze geological or geographical data.
  • Develop technical or scientific databases.
  • Analyze geological or geographical data.
  • Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
  • Record research or operational data.
  • Compile geographic or related data.
  • Read More

Knowledge

Geography
  • Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Mathematics
  • Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
English Language
  • Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Read More

Skills

Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking
  • Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Science
  • Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Speaking
  • Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Read More

Abilities

Written Comprehension
  • The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Information Ordering
  • The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Oral Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Near Vision
  • The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Read More

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
Read More

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Office suite software
  • Microsoft Office Hot Technology
Word processing software
  • Microsoft Word Hot Technology
Presentation software
  • Microsoft PowerPoint Hot Technology
Read More