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.
Also known as: All Source Intelligence Analyst, Commercial Drone Operator, Commercial Drone Pilot, Drone Operator, Drone Pilot, Geospatial Image Analyst, Geospatial Intelligence Analyst, Image Scientist, ...
Annual Salary
Median annual wage (May 2024)
Job Outlook
Projected growth, 2024–2034 (Slower than average)
What You'd Do
- Analyze data acquired from aircraft, satellites, or ground-based platforms, using statistical analysis software, image analysis software, or Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
- Develop or build databases for remote sensing or related geospatial project information.
- Integrate other geospatial data sources into projects.
- Prepare or deliver reports or presentations of geospatial project information.
- Organize and maintain geospatial data and associated documentation.
- 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.
- Direct all activity associated with implementation, operation, or enhancement of remote sensing hardware or software.
- Collect supporting data, such as climatic or field survey data, to corroborate remote sensing data analyses.
- Compile and format image data to increase its usefulness.
- Conduct research into the application or enhancement of remote sensing technology.
- Discuss project goals, equipment requirements, or methodologies with colleagues or team members.
- Develop automated routines to correct for the presence of image distorting artifacts, such as ground vegetation.
- Develop new analytical techniques or sensor systems.
- Manage or analyze data obtained from remote sensing systems to obtain meaningful results.
- Monitor quality of remote sensing data collection operations to determine if procedural or equipment changes are necessary.
- Direct installation or testing of new remote sensing hardware or software.
- Attend meetings or seminars or read current literature to maintain knowledge of developments in the field of remote sensing.
- Participate in fieldwork.
- Recommend new remote sensing hardware or software acquisitions.
Top Skills
Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)
Knowledge Areas
Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation by education level
Technology & Tools
Software and tools commonly used in this role
In-Demand Technologies
Work Styles
Personality traits and work styles important for this career
Key Abilities
Cognitive, physical, and sensory abilities important for this role
Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)
Work Activities
General types of job behaviors occurring on this job
Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)
Work Environment
Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work
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Salary data: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Outlook data: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034.
This page includes information from the O*NET 30.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.