The field of remote sensing is relatively recent. It has roots that align with the invention and growth of flight. Early remote sensing methods could be seen in the use of messenger pigeons, kites, and unmanned balloons to relay and collect information from remote locations. World War I saw the first consistent use of aerial photography to gather images and information for military surveillance and operations. By the late 1900s satellites had been developed for scientific studies on a global scale, to gather data for environmental research, as well as commercial and military purposes.
Many different fields use remote sensing, which is the collection and analysis of information about certain areas and objects from off-site locations. This information is collected from satellite systems or aircraft-based systems, as well as ground-based systems. Today, remote sensing scientists and technologists work in fields such as land surveying, geography, oceanography, ecology, geology, hydrology, glaciology, among others, for private enterprises, environmental organizations, government agencies, and the military.
- Agricultural Scientists
- Arborists
- Astrogeologists
- Botanists
- Cartographers
- Climate Scientists
- Ecologists
- Environmental Engineers
- Environmental Planners
- Environmental Restoration Planners
- Environmental Scientists
- Environmental Technicians
- Forensic Meteorologists
- Geodetic Surveyors
- Geographers
- Geographic Information Systems Specialists
- Geological Technicians
- Geologists
- Geophysicists
- Geospatial Analytics Specialists
- Geotechnical Engineers
- Geothermal Energy Industry Workers
- Geothermal Production Managers
- Geothermal Technicians
- Groundwater Professionals
- Horticultural Technicians
- Industrial Ecologists
- Meteorologists
- Naturalists
- Oceanographers
- Paleontologists
- Range Managers
- Remote Sensing Technicians
- Rewilders
- Soil Conservationists and Technicians
- Soil Scientists
- Space Meteorologist
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians
- Surveyors