Remote Sensing Technician

Your Fit

Income

$60K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

3.8%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Remote Sensing Technician?

Remote Sensing Technicians specialize in the acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of data obtained from airborne or satellite sensors. They use these data to monitor, assess, and manage natural resources and environmental changes.

Sample job titles:

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

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Remote Sensing Technician.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Remote Sensing Technician earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$37K per year	$46K per year	$60K per year	$78K per year	$102K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $11K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Remote Sensing Technician do?

Work environment

These technicians typically work in government agencies, environmental consulting firms, research institutions, or private corporations. Their work environment includes office settings for data analysis and sometimes fieldwork for calibration and validation of remote sensing data.

Quick task list

Analyzes data from satellite imagery, aerial photography, and GIS databases.
Operates remote sensing equipment, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Processes and interprets remote sensing data for environmental assessments.
Collaborates with scientists and researchers on data interpretation and project development.
Maintains databases and presents findings in reports or presentations.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Environmental Monitoring: Tracking changes in ecosystems, climate, and land use.
Agricultural Assessment: Using remote sensing for crop monitoring and management.
Geospatial Analysis: Integrating remote sensing data with GIS for spatial analysis.
Disaster Response and Management: Assessing damages and changes due to natural disasters.
Urban Planning: Applying remote sensing data for urban development and planning.

Description

Remote Sensing Technicians play a critical role in gathering and interpreting data that inform us about the Earth's surface. They use various tools, including GIS, computer software, and imagery analysis techniques, to convert raw data into understandable formats. Their work supports a wide range of applications, from environmental conservation and climate monitoring to urban planning and disaster response.

The role requires technical proficiency in remote sensing technologies and data analysis, as well as a good understanding of the physical and environmental sciences. Remote Sensing Technicians need to be detail-oriented, analytical, and adept at problem-solving. They often work on project-based assignments and may collaborate with a range of professionals, including scientists, planners, and policy makers.

This occupation is ideal for individuals who are passionate about the environment and technology. It offers the opportunity to engage in meaningful work that contributes to our understanding of and interaction with the natural world. Remote Sensing Technicians are essential in helping to address global challenges such as climate change, natural resource management, and sustainable development.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to important environmental and societal issues through technology.
Working with cutting-edge technology in geospatial science.
The diversity of applications and projects, offering varied and engaging work.

You might make a good Remote Sensing Technician if you are...

Fascinated by technology and environmental science.
Proficient in computer science and data analysis.
Detail-oriented with strong analytical skills.
Interested in geography and spatial analysis.
Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team on projects.

Pros:

Involvement in a field at the forefront of environmental and geospatial technology.
Opportunities to contribute to a wide range of critical and impactful projects.
Dynamic work environment with a balance of field and office work.

Cons:

The need to continually update skills with rapidly advancing technology.
Potential for extensive time spent on data analysis and computer work.
Project-based work may sometimes require irregular hours or tight deadlines.

How to become a Remote Sensing Technician

Typical education

A bachelor's degree in geography, environmental science, geospatial science, or a related field is often required, entailing about 4 years of post-secondary education. Advanced positions may require further education or specialized training in remote sensing technologies.

High school preparation

Courses:

Geography and environmental science to understand earth systems and environmental processes.
Mathematics and computer science, particularly for GIS and data analysis skills.
Physics or physical science to grasp principles of remote sensing technologies.
Statistics for analyzing and interpreting data.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in science clubs or environmental groups.
Engaging in projects or competitions related to technology, geography, or environmental science.
Volunteering with local environmental organizations or community mapping projects.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in geography, environmental science, geospatial science, or a related field.
Seek internships or work experiences with organizations that focus on GIS, remote sensing, or environmental analysis.
Gain proficiency in GIS software, remote sensing tools, and data analysis techniques.
Consider certification or additional training in GIS and remote sensing technologies.

More resources

American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) - A professional organization offering resources and certification in photogrammetry and remote sensing.
Esri Training - Offers courses and certifications in GIS and related technologies.
The Geological Remote Sensing Group (GRSG) - A global association specializing in remote sensing and earth sciences.
Remote Sensing and Geospatial Sciences (RS&GS) - An academic journal covering the latest developments in remote sensing research.

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