Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists

Remote sensing scientists and technologists gather data from remote sensing systems and analyze data. They collect data from aircraft, satellites, or ground-based platforms and uses statistical analysis software and image analysis software to help solve problems in areas such as natural resource management, urban planning, or homeland security. They may collect imagery captured from aerial or satellite systems to create land cover maps and other related products.

Remote sensing scientists and technologists are increasingly using advanced artificial intelligence for a variety of tasks, including image classification, object detection, change detection, land cover mapping, hyperspectral and radar data analysis, and data fusion.

Some examples of the types of projects that remote sensing scientists and technologists may be involved in include analyzing data from sensors mounted on an airplane, to determine where the boundaries are for a drought zone; using drifting buoys that are equipped with Global Positions System sensors to map currents; and using remote temperature sensors to find the cities that have higher temperatures than others, also known as urban heat islands. Remote scientist and technologists may also use data collected from satellite systems to create maps each year of thawing land, for evaluating changes in the climate.

Remote sensing scientists and technologists work independently and collaborate with colleagues and project team members. They discuss their approach and methodologies and the types of equipment that are best suited for the project. Scientists and technologists may create and develop databases for remote sensing project information. They organize and maintain the data and documentation and prepare and deliver reports on their findings. They also make presentations. Those that are involved in environmental projects apply remote sensing techniques such as dust cloud collection or surface water modeling to collect information.

Remote sensing scientists and technologists use various software programs in their work. They use analytical, scientific, database user interface and query, development environment, map creation, remote sensing, and object- or component-oriented development software.