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Remote Sensing Technicians

Under the title Remote Sensing Technicians, workers apply remote sensing technologies to assist scientists in areas such as natural resources, urban planning, or homeland security. You may also need to collect geospatial data, using technologies such as aerial photography, light and radio wave detection systems, digital satellites, or thermal energy systems. The strongest interest signal is Conventional (5.2 of 7), then Realistic (5.1) and Investigative, which gives it the code CRI. Plan on a bachelor’s degree plus a period of work experience; O*NET labels this considerable preparation. Strength in critical thinking, speaking, and reading comprehension helps most here. It tends to suit people who want orderly work with data, records and clear procedures, and it offers little for anyone seeking helping, teaching or caring for people.

What they do

Apply remote sensing technologies to assist scientists in areas such as natural resources, urban planning, or homeland security. May prepare flight plans or sensor configurations for flight trips.

Main tasks

  • Collect geospatial data, using technologies such as aerial photography, light and radio wave detection systems, digital satellites, or thermal energy systems.
  • Verify integrity and accuracy of data contained in remote sensing image analysis systems.
  • Integrate remotely sensed data with other geospatial data.
  • Consult with remote sensing scientists, surveyors, cartographers, or engineers to determine project needs.
  • Adjust remotely sensed images for optimum presentation by using software to select image displays, define image set categories, or choose processing routines.
  • Manipulate raw data to enhance interpretation, either on the ground or during remote sensing flights.

Skills

  • Critical Thinking
  • Speaking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Mathematics
  • Systems Analysis
  • Monitoring

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like clear rules and getting the details right.
  • You like ending the day with a physical result you can point to.
  • You are ready to spend around four years on a degree, then build experience.
  • You are comfortable relying on critical thinking and speaking.

May not suit you if

  • You get restless with routine, records and exact procedures.
  • You want helping people to be at the center of your work. Social rates 1.5 out of 7 here.
  • You want to avoid a four-year degree or its equivalent.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code CRI takes the three highest, and Conventional comes first here.

Preparation

Considerable preparation. Most jobs here ask for a bachelor’s degree, and employers usually expect a few years of related experience as well.

Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: Bachelor's Degree. This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.

Also called

  • Digital Cartographic Technician
  • Geospatial Extractor
  • Meteorologist Liaison
  • Research Associate

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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.