CareerGPS

Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists
Summary Occupational Forecast Data for Physical Scientists, All Other
Employment Employment Change Average Annual Job Openings Wage & Training Levels
2020 2025 Numerical Percent New Jobs Replacement Jobs Total Median Hourly Median Annual Training Levels
272 307 34 12.63% 7 23 30 $45.27 $94,168 Bachelor's degree
Description: Apply remote sensing principles and methods to analyze data and solve problems in areas such as natural resource management, urban planning, and homeland security. May develop new analytical techniques and sensor systems or develop new applications for existing systems.
Forecast Data Source: EMSI (4th Quarter 2023)

Occupation Details

The information in this section represents occupational characteristics included in O*NET which defines key features of an occupation as a standardized, measurable set of variables called "descriptors". These distinguishing characteristics of an occupation are described in greater detail in the O*NET Content Model. All items are listed in descending order of importance.

  • Analyze data acquired from aircraft, satellites, or ground-based platforms using statistical analysis software, image analysis software, or Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
  • Develop and build databases for remote sensing and related geospatial project information.
  • Integrate other geospatial data sources into projects.
  • Prepare and deliver reports and presentations of geospatial project information.
  • Organize and maintain geospatial data and associated documentation.
  • Process aerial and satellite imagery to create products such as landcover maps.
  • Design and 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 and field survey data to corroborate remote sensing data analyses.
  • Compile and format image data to increase its usefulness.
  • Conduct research into the application and enhancement of remote sensing technology.
  • Discuss project goals, equipment requirements, and methodologies with colleagues and 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 and testing of new remote sensing hardware or software.
  • Attend meetings or seminars and read current literature to maintain knowledge of developments in the field of remote sensing.
  • Participate in fieldwork as required.
  • Recommend new remote sensing hardware or software acquisitions.
  • Set up or maintain remote sensing data collection systems.
  • Train technicians in the use of remote sensing technology.

Knowledge

88%
Geography - Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
80%
Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
74%
Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
62%
English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
61%
Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
61%
Physics - Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.

Skills

72%
Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
72%
Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
72%
Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
69%
Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
69%
Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
65%
Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
65%
Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
62%
Operations Analysis - Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
62%
Systems Analysis - Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
62%
Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
62%
Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
62%
Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
56%
Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
56%
Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
53%
Systems Evaluation - Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
53%
Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
53%
Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
50%
Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.
50%
Management of Personnel Resources - Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.

Abilities

75%
Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
72%
Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
72%
Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
72%
Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
69%
Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
69%
Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
69%
Mathematical Reasoning - The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
69%
Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
65%
Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
65%
Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
65%
Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
62%
Fluency of Ideas - The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
62%
Category Flexibility - The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
62%
Flexibility of Closure - The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
60%
Number Facility - The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
60%
Speech Recognition - The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
56%
Selective Attention - The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
56%
Originality - The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
56%
Perceptual Speed - The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes compa
50%
Finger Dexterity - The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
50%
Far Vision - The ability to see details at a distance.
50%
Visualization - The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

Work Activities

95%
Interacting With Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
90%
Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
85%
Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
81%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
79%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
76%
Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
75%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
73%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
72%
Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
72%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
72%
Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
69%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
66%
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
66%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
65%
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
62%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
62%
Provide Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
56%
Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
55%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
54%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
53%
Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
51%
Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
50%
Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Title Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Overall Experience Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Job Training Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Job Zone Examples These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Examples include librarians, lawyers, aerospace engineers, wildlife biologists, school psychologists, surgeons, treasurers, and controllers.
Education Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Interests

Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outsi
Investigative - Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Work Styles

Analytical Thinking - Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical.
Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Persistence - Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Innovation - Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
Achievement/Effort - Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.

Work Values

Achievement - Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Recognition - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
Independence - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Working Conditions - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.