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Occupation AtlasRemote Sensing Scientists and Technologists

O*NET · 19-2099.01

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 called All Source Intelligence Analyst · Commercial Drone Operator · Commercial Drone Pilot · Drone Operator · Drone Pilot · Geospatial Image Analyst · Geospatial Intelligence Analyst · Image Scientist
55 more

Imagery Remote Sensing Scientist · LIDAR Analyst · LIDAR Analyst (Light Detection and Ranging Analyst) · LIDAR Scientist · LIDAR Scientist (Light Detection and Ranging Scientist) · MASINT Analyst · MASINT Analyst (Measurement and Signatures Intelligence Analyst) · Microwave Remote Sensing Scientist · Radar Exploitation Scientist · Radar Scientist · Remote Pilot · Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) · Remote Sensing Analyst · Remote Sensing Certified Mapping Scientist · Remote Sensing Engineer · Remote Sensing Research Scientist · Remote Sensing Scientist · Remote Sensing Specialist · Remote Sensing Technologist · Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Controller (RPAS Controller) · Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Operator (RPAS Operator) · Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Pilot (RPAS Pilot) · Research Scientist · RPAS Controller · RPAS Operator · RPAS Pilot · RPIC · Scientist · Sensor Assembler · Sensor Specialist · SIGINT Analyst · Signal Intelligence Analyst (SIGINT Analyst) · Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator (sUAS Operator) · Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (sUAS Pilot) · Spectral Scientist · sUAS Operator · sUAS Pilot · Thermal Intelligence Analyst · UA Operator · UA Pilot · UAS Operator · UAS Pilot · UAV Operator · UAV Pilot · Unmanned Aerial Systems Operator (UAS Operator) · Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot) · Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Operator (UAV Operator) · Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Pilot (UAV Pilot) · Unmanned Aircraft Operator (UA Operator) · Unmanned Aircraft Pilot (UA Pilot) · Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator (UAS Operator) · Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot) · Unmanned Systems Operator · Unmanned Systems Pilot · Weather Algorithm Scientist

Job Zone 4 — Considerable Preparation NeededHolland code IRC35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Soil and Plant Scientists

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed

Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

IRCInvestigative · Realistic · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order

  • I Investigative6.09
  • R Realistic4.86
  • C Conventional4.81
  • A Artistic1.93
  • E Enterprising1.44
  • S Social1.27

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree4%
  • Bachelor's Degree60%
  • Post-Baccalaureate Certificate16%
  • Master's Degree20%
Related work experience
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (32%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (28%)
On-the-job training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (32%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Reading Comprehensionbasic4.04.8Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Critical Thinkingbasic4.04.4Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Writingbasic3.94.6Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Speakingbasic3.94.3Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Active Listeningbasic3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Sciencebasic3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Conduct product tests to ensure safety standards are met
  • Complex Problem Solving3.84.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.84.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Mathematicsbasic3.84.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
  • Systems Analysis3.63.9Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
  • Systems Evaluation3.63.9Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
  • Active Learningbasic3.44.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
Show the other 23
  • Monitoringbasic3.43.9Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Operations Analysis3.33.6Level 4 looks like: Suggest changes in software to make a system more user friendly
  • Learning Strategiesbasic3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
  • Instructing3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
  • Coordination3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Time Management2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Social Perceptiveness2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Service Orientation2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Programming2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
  • Persuasion2.62.9Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Negotiation2.52.6Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Operations Monitoring2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Technology Design2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • Quality Control Analysis2.41.8Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Operation and Control2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Management of Material Resources1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Management of Financial Resources1.81.4Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Troubleshooting1.50.8
  • Equipment Selection1.50.5
  • Equipment Maintenance1.0—
  • Installation1.0—
  • Repairing1.0—

Tasks

24 core

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Manage or analyze data obtained from remote sensing systems to obtain meaningful results.4.6
  2. Analyze data acquired from aircraft, satellites, or ground-based platforms, using statistical analysis software, image analysis software, or Geographic Information Systems (GIS).4.5
  3. Integrate other geospatial data sources into projects.4.4
  4. Organize and maintain geospatial data and associated documentation.4.4
  5. Compile and format image data to increase its usefulness.4.3
  6. Prepare or deliver reports or presentations of geospatial project information.4.2
  7. Discuss project goals, equipment requirements, or methodologies with colleagues or team members.4.2
  8. Process aerial or satellite imagery to create products such as land cover maps.4.1
  9. Develop or build databases for remote sensing or related geospatial project information.4.0
  10. Design or implement strategies for collection, analysis, or display of geographic data.4.0
  11. Collect supporting data, such as climatic or field survey data, to corroborate remote sensing data analyses.3.9
  12. Monitor quality of remote sensing data collection operations to determine if procedural or equipment changes are necessary.3.9
Show the other 12
  1. Train technicians in the use of remote sensing technology.3.9
  2. Set up or maintain remote sensing data collection systems.3.8
  3. Direct all activity associated with implementation, operation, or enhancement of remote sensing hardware or software.3.7
  4. Conduct research into the application or enhancement of remote sensing technology.3.7
  5. Attend meetings or seminars or read current literature to maintain knowledge of developments in the field of remote sensing.3.7
  6. Recommend new remote sensing hardware or software acquisitions.3.5
  7. Use remote sensing data for forest or carbon tracking activities to assess the impact of environmental change.3.5
  8. Develop automated routines to correct for the presence of image distorting artifacts, such as ground vegetation.3.4
  9. Develop new analytical techniques or sensor systems.3.4
  10. Participate in fieldwork.3.3
  11. Apply remote sensing data or techniques, such as surface water modeling or dust cloud detection, to address environmental issues.3.2
  12. Direct installation or testing of new remote sensing hardware or software.3.1

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Geography4.86.4Level 7 looks like: Develop a map of the world showing mountains, deserts, and rivers
  • Computers and Electronics4.25.3Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Mathematics4.25.4Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Engineering and Technology3.95.2Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
  • English Language3.74.5Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Physics3.54.2Level 4 looks like: Calculate the speed of a falling object
  • Design3.24.2Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
  • Administration and Management3.13.8Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
Show all 33
  • Customer and Personal Service3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Biology3.03.7Level 4 looks like: Investigate the effects of pollution on marine plants and animals
  • Education and Training3.04.4Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Production and Processing2.83.3Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Communications and Media2.73.1Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
  • Public Safety and Security2.62.8
  • Telecommunications2.62.6
  • Administrative2.53.3Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • History and Archeology2.43.0Level 4 looks like: Teach local history to school children
  • Sociology and Anthropology2.42.8
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.32.6
  • Transportation2.32.4Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Law and Government2.22.4Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Chemistry2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Sales and Marketing2.02.5Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Economics and Accounting1.91.6Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Mechanical1.81.8Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Psychology1.81.4Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Foreign Language1.61.2Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Building and Construction1.50.9Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Philosophy and Theology1.51.0Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • Fine Arts1.30.6Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.2—
  • Food Production1.1—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.1—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Deductive Reasoning4.34.6Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
  • Inductive Reasoning4.34.5Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Near Vision4.03.9
  • Oral Comprehension4.04.8Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression4.04.8Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Problem Sensitivity4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Written Comprehension4.04.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Written Expression4.04.6Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
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  • Information Ordering3.94.1
  • Mathematical Reasoning3.94.3Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
  • Category Flexibility3.84.1Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Fluency of Ideas3.63.9Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Number Facility3.64.0Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Speech Clarity3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Flexibility of Closure3.53.4Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Originality3.43.9Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Speech Recognition3.43.3Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Visualization3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Far Vision3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Perceptual Speed3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Selective Attention3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Memorization2.62.6
  • Speed of Closure2.52.4Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Time Sharing2.52.4Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.52.6
  • Finger Dexterity2.41.9Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Control Precision2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Auditory Attention2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Depth Perception2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Manual Dexterity1.91.6Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Trunk Strength1.81.4Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Reaction Time1.40.5
  • Spatial Orientation1.40.5
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.40.5
  • Rate Control1.3—
  • Dynamic Strength1.1—
  • Extent Flexibility1.1—
  • Gross Body Coordination1.1—
  • Static Strength1.1—
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—
  • Explosive Strength1.0—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.0—
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.0—
  • Multilimb Coordination1.0—
  • Night Vision1.0—
  • Peripheral Vision1.0—
  • Response Orientation1.0—
  • Sound Localization1.0—
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.0—
  • Stamina1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Working with Computers4.84.9Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Analyzing Data or Information4.65.6
  • Processing Information4.65.8
  • Getting Information4.55.2Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others4.35.1Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.35.5Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.25.1Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Documenting/Recording Information4.25.0Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
Show all 41
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge4.25.4Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.14.5Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work4.15.2Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Thinking Creatively4.15.2Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information4.04.8Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.94.4Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Training and Teaching Others3.84.3Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization3.74.6Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.74.6Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.74.3Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.64.6Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Developing and Building Teams3.53.7Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.54.5Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.44.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.44.5Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates3.34.1Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.23.9Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.24.0Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Performing Administrative Activities3.03.5Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.93.5Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials2.82.8
  • Controlling Machines and Processes2.62.8
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.62.9
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.53.2Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment2.42.9
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public2.42.5Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.43.0Level 4 looks like: Make repairs by removing and replacing circuit boards
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.22.3Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment2.01.8Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Performing General Physical Activities2.01.9Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
  • Handling and Moving Objects1.81.8Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
  • Assisting and Caring for Others1.71.3Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment1.61.5Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail5.0
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.8
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.5
  • Spend Time Sitting4.5
  • Telephone Conversations4.4
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.3
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.2
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.1
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.1
  • Contact With Others3.6

Technology

89 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (1)

  • Pythonhot

Hot (55; 1 more marked hot above)

  • 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
  • Atlassian JIRA
  • Bash
  • C
  • C#
  • C++
  • Docker
  • Elasticsearch
  • Epic Systems
  • ESRI ArcGIS software
  • Extensible markup language XML
  • Git
  • GitHub
  • Go
  • JavaScript
Show the other 31
  • JavaScript Object Notation JSON
  • Linux
  • Microsoft Azure software
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Project
  • Microsoft SQL Server
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Microsoft Visual Studio
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word
  • MySQL
  • Node.js
  • NoSQL
  • Oracle Database
  • Oracle Java
  • Perl
  • PostgreSQL
  • Puppet
  • R
  • Ruby
  • Salesforce software
  • Scala
  • Selenium
  • Structured query language SQL
  • Swift
  • Tableau
  • The MathWorks MATLAB
  • UNIX
Other tools (33)
  • Aeronautical charts
  • Agisoft Metashape
  • Airdata
  • Amazon Simple Storage Service S3
  • Apache HTTP Server
  • ArduPilot Mission Planner
  • BAE Systems SOCET GXP
  • Calibration software
  • CloudCompare
  • ESRI Site Scan for ArcGIS
  • FLIR Thermal Studio Suite
  • Gamma remote sensing software
  • Geographic information system GIS systems
  • Global positioning system GPS software
  • Healthcare common procedure coding system HCPCS
  • Hypertext preprocessor PHP
  • Image processing software
  • Interface definition language IDL
  • Kitty Hawk
  • Learning management system LMS
  • Leica Geosystems ERDAS IMAGINE
  • Litchi
  • LP360
  • Microsoft Image Composite Editor
  • Objective C
  • OpenDroneMap
  • PCI Geomatics Geomatica
  • Pix4D Pix4Dmapper
  • RSI ENVI
  • Ruby on Rails
  • UgCS
  • Web browser software
  • YouTube

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Remote Sensing Technicians
  2. Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
  3. Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
  4. Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
  5. Geodetic Surveyors
  6. Surveying and Mapping Technicians
  7. Calibration Technologists and Technicians
  8. Aerospace Engineers
  9. Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
  10. Atmospheric and Space Scientists

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.