Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists

Career Overview

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.

Also Known As

• Geospatial Intelligence Analyst
• Image Scientist
• Remote Sensing Analyst
• Remote Sensing Scientist

Alternate Job Titles

• All Source Intelligence Analyst
• Commercial Drone Operator
• Commercial Drone Pilot
• Drone Operator
• Drone Pilot
• Geospatial Image Analyst
• Geospatial Intelligence Analyst
• Image Scientist
• Imagery Remote Sensing Scientist
• LIDAR Analyst (Light Detection and Ranging Analyst)
• LIDAR Scientist (Light Detection and Ranging Scientist)
• MASINT Analyst (Measurement and Signatures Intelligence Analyst)
• Microwave Remote Sensing Scientist
• Radar Exploitation Scientist
• Radar Scientist

What You'll Do

In this role, your typical responsibilities include:

• 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).
• Integrate other geospatial data sources into projects.
• Organize and maintain geospatial data and associated documentation.
• Compile and format image data to increase its usefulness.
• Prepare or deliver reports or presentations of geospatial project information.
• Discuss project goals, equipment requirements, or methodologies with colleagues or team members.

Emerging Responsibilities

As this field evolves, you may also:

• Develop protocols and procedures for planning and executing drone-based remote sensing missions to ensure they comply with standards and requirements.

Knowledge You'll Use

You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:

• Geography
• Computers and Electronics
• Mathematics
• Engineering and Technology
• English Language

Essential Skills

Success in this career requires strong skills in:

1. Reading Comprehension
2. Critical Thinking
3. Active Listening
4. Writing
5. Speaking
6. Science
7. Mathematics
8. Complex Problem Solving
9. Judgment and Decision Making
10. Systems Analysis

Key Abilities

This career requires key abilities in:

• Deductive Reasoning
• Inductive Reasoning
• Oral Comprehension
• Oral Expression
• Written Expression
• Near Vision
• Written Comprehension
• Problem Sensitivity
• Information Ordering
• Mathematical Reasoning

Work Style

People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:

• Attention to Detail
• Innovation
• Intellectual Curiosity
• Dependability
• Achievement Orientation

What Matters in This Career

This career tends to satisfy these work values:

• Achievement
• Recognition
• Independence
• Working Conditions
• Support

Education & Preparation

Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree

Related Work Experience Needed: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years

On-the-Job Training: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year

Education Details: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Experience Required: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

Technology You'll Use

Popular Technologies & Software

• Adobe Creative Cloud software
• Amazon DynamoDB
• Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud EC2
• Amazon Redshift
• Amazon Web Services AWS CloudFormation
• Amazon Web Services AWS software
• Ansible software
• Apache Hadoop
• Apache Hive
• Apache Kafka

Tools & Equipment

• Airborne imaging systems
• Airfield lighting equipment
• Anemometers
• Desktop computers
• DJI GS Pro
• Doppler Rayleigh laser imaging ranging and detecting LIDAR systems
• DroneDeploy
• DroneLogbook
• Fixed wing unmanned aerial vehicles UAV
• Global positioning system GPS devices
• Ground control targets
• Hyperspectral imaging equipment
• Landing pad
• Mainframe computers
• Multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicles UAV

Work Environment

• E-Mail
• Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
• Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
• Spend Time Sitting
• Telephone Conversations

Salary & Job Market

Wages reported for the broader Physical Scientists, All Other occupational group (BLS 2024), which includes Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists.

Salary Percentile	Annual Wage
Entry-Level (10th percentile)	$61,990
Median	$117,960
Top Earners (90th percentile)	$191,880

Workers Employed Nationally: 22,580

Related Careers

If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:

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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.