What Do Remote Sensing Scientists Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Job Description

Remote Sensing Scientists 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. They also manage or analyze data obtained from remote sensing systems to obtain meaningful results.

Other tasks include:

• 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.

We asked Remote Sensing Scientists how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

69% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 65% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.

Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Remote Sensing Scientists manage or analyze data obtained from remote sensing systems to obtain meaningful results. They analyze data acquired from aircraft, satellites, or ground-based platforms, using statistical analysis software, image analysis software, or Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

A typical day for a Remote Sensing Scientist and Technologist will also include:

• Integrate other geospatial data sources into projects.
• Organize and maintain geospatial data and associated documentation.
• Conduct research into the application or enhancement of remote sensing technology.
• Apply remote sensing data or techniques, such as surface water modeling or dust cloud detection, to address environmental issues.
• Process aerial or satellite imagery to create products such as land cover maps.

We asked some Remote Sensing Scientists a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Remote Sensing Scientists also discuss project goals, equipment requirements, or methodologies with colleagues or team members. They may also compile and format image data to increase its usefulness.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Remote Sensing Scientists Attend meetings or seminars or read current literature to maintain knowledge of developments in the field of remote sensing. They might also Design or implement strategies for collection, analysis, or display of geographic data.

In addition, they Prepare or deliver reports or presentations of geospatial project information.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Set up or maintain remote sensing data collection systems.

To some Remote Sensing Scientists, it is also their responsibility to Process aerial or satellite imagery to create products such as land cover maps.

Working life

Standard 40 hour work week

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as a Remote Sensing Scientist and Technologist, you can expect to work 40 hour work week.

Is this right for me

People who are suitable for this job tends to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery..

They also like working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

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