How to Be Photogrammetrist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 26, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

Photogrammetry is the science of making measurements from photographs. It is used in a wide range of industries and applications, including surveying, mapping, engineering, and scientific research. The photogrammetrist is responsible for creating accurate digital models from photographs.

The process begins with the collection of aerial and terrestrial imagery, which is then analyzed using specialized photogrammetric software. The data collected is then used to create digital elevation models, orthophotos and 3D models. The accuracy of these models depends on the accuracy of the initial data, the skill of the photogrammetrist, and the quality of the software used.

As a result, photogrammetry is an essential tool for land mapping, engineering design, and other applications requiring precise measurements and detailed imagery.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. The first step to becoming a Photogrammetrist is to earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Most Photogrammetrists major in geography, forestry, engineering, mathematics, or another related field.
Complete an Internship. Photogrammetry is a highly specialized field. You can gain valuable experience and knowledge by completing an internship or co-op program in the field. You may be able to find an internship through your college or university, or you may need to search for one independently.
Become Certified. Many employers prefer to hire Photogrammetrists who are certified by the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS). To become certified, you must pass an exam and meet certain educational requirements.
Get Licensed. Depending on where you live, you may need to obtain a license to practice as a Photogrammetrist. Licensing requirements vary by state, so be sure to check with your state for specific requirements.
Find a Job. Once you have completed your education and obtained any required certifications or licenses, you can begin searching for a job as a Photogrammetrist. You can find jobs through job boards, classifieds, and professional networking sites, as well as through direct contact with employers.

In order to stay ahead and qualified as a photogrammetrist, it is important to stay up to date on the latest technology and advancements in the field. This can be accomplished by attending conferences, seminars, and workshops to learn new techniques or review existing ones. continuing education courses can be taken to ensure that skills are current and that certification standards are met.

Staying ahead of the curve also requires staying connected with colleagues through networking and participating in industry organizations. Finally, keeping abreast of the latest news and developments in the field is essential, which can be done by reading industry publications and staying active on social media. By actively engaging in these activities, a photogrammetrist can remain qualified and competitive in the profession.

You may want to check Surveyor, Topographer, and GIS Specialist for alternative.

Job Description

Collect and Interpret Aerial Photography
Prepare Mapping and GIS Products
Operate Remote Sensing Equipment
Create Digital Elevation Models
Conduct Land Surveys
Design Photo-Mosaics
Produce Orthophotos
Establish Ground Control Points
Analyze Digital Imagery
Develop 3D Models and Visualizations

Skills and Competencies to Have

Expertise in surveying and mapping techniques
Knowledge of photogrammetric equipment and software
Understanding of aerial photography and remote sensing principles
Ability to interpret and analyze geospatial data
Ability to prepare digital terrain models and cartographic products
Proficiency in spatial analysis and data processing
Knowledge of GIS and GPS systems
Excellent communication, writing, and presentation skills
Familiarity with land use regulations and environmental laws
Ability to work independently and in a team environment

A successful photogrammetrist must possess strong technical and analytical skills to accurately interpret and analyze data from photographs. They must have a strong knowledge of mathematics, computer science, optics, and surveying in order to correctly measure and analyze photos from the ground or from aircraft. they must be highly organized to manage the data collected from multiple sources and create accurate maps.

Good communication skills are also essential in order to be able to effectively collaborate with other professionals and to explain the data collected. Finally, the ability to use specialized software to properly analyze the data is crucial for a successful photogrammetrist. With these essential skills, a photogrammetrist will be able to accurately map the Earth's surface and provide invaluable data for various industries.

Archaeology Conservator, System Analyst, and Archaeology Educator are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have with Photogrammetry?
How do you stay up to date with changes in the Photogrammetry industry?
Describe your experience with remote sensing and digital mapping software.
What challenges have you faced in Photogrammetry projects?
How do you handle working with large datasets?
How do you ensure accuracy when working with Photogrammetry?
What techniques do you use to process 3D models from aerial images?
What processes do you use to create accurate orthophotos?
How do you evaluate the quality of a photogrammetric product?
What processes do you use to manage data and keep track of changes?

Common Tools in Industry

Geographic Information System (GIS). A computer system used to capture, store, analyze, and manage spatial data and associated attributes. (eg: ArcGIS)
Digital Elevation Model (DEM). A digital representation of ground surface topography or terrain. (eg: Global Mapper)
Aerial Photography. Oblique or Vertical photographs taken from an aircraft. (eg: DigitalGlobe)
Photogrammetric Software. Software used to analyze aerial or satellite images. (eg: AutoCAD Map 3D, Pix4D)
Remote Sensing Software. Software used to process and analyze remote sensing data. (eg: ENVI, ERDAS Imagine)
Scanning Laser Imaging Systems. Systems used to capture high-resolution 3D measurements of objects or landscapes. (eg: FARO Focus 3D Laser Scanner)
3D Modeling Software. Software used to create three-dimensional digital models. (eg: SketchUp Pro)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS)
International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS)
Canadian Institute of Geomatics
Association of Geographic Information Laboratories for Europe (AGILE)
International Association of Geodesy (IAG)
Society of American Military Engineers (SAME)
Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry Society (RSPSoc)
International Cartographic Association (ICA)
International Society for Digital Earth (ISDE)
The Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC)

We also have Photographic Interpretation Specialist, Historian, and Forensic Archaeologist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Photogrammetry. The science of making measurements from photographs. It is used to create maps, 3D models, and other precise measurements of objects.
Aerial Photography. The use of aerial cameras to take photographs from an aircraft or other flying object.
Remote Sensing. The use of satellites, aircraft, and other remote sensing technology to collect data about the Earths surface.
Geodesy. The science of measuring the size and shape of the Earth, as well as its gravitational and other geodynamic forces.
Cadastral Surveying. A type of surveying that is used to record information about land boundaries, ownership, and other land features.
GIS (Geographic Information Systems). A computer system used to store, analyze, and display geographic information.
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). A remote sensing method that uses laser pulses to measure distances and construct high-resolution 3D models.
Photogrammetric Imaging. The process of digitally capturing and analyzing images using photogrammetry software.
Photogrammetric Modeling. The process of creating 3D models from photogrammetry data.
Orthophotos. Aerial photographs that have been rectified so that the scale is uniform throughout the image.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is Photogrammetry? A1: Photogrammetry is a method of surveying and mapping using aerial photographs to measure distances between features and to produce accurate topographic maps. Q2: What is the purpose of Photogrammetry? A2: The purpose of photogrammetry is to accurately measure the three-dimensional coordinates of points or objects in space, as well as to measure distances, angles, and areas on the surface of the earth. Q3: How is Photogrammetry used? A3: Photogrammetry is used to create detailed maps, 3D models, and orthophotos. It is also used to measure terrain features such as elevation, slope, and line of sight. Q4: What are the components of Photogrammetry? A4: The components of photogrammetry include aerial photography, image processing, digital photogrammetry, and GIS applications. Q5: How accurate is Photogrammetry? A5: Photogrammetry is highly accurate and can be used to measure distances up to 1 cm and angles up to 1/1000th of a degree.