How to Be Photographic Interpretation Specialist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Aug 29, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Being a Photographic Interpretation Specialist involves a great deal of responsibility. Analyzing aerial photographs, satellite imagery, and other types of digital images to identify objects and activities requires a thorough knowledge of geography, geology, meteorology, and other related disciplines. The specialist must then identify patterns and trends in the imagery that can provide important information about a variety of complex issues, such as natural disasters, environmental changes, and military operations.

This information can be used to create plans and strategies for better decision-making and problem solving. By accurately interpreting the data collected from these images, Photographic Interpretation Specialists can have a significant impact on the world around them.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a bachelor's degree in geography, cartography, or a related field related to the field of Photographic Interpretation. Coursework should include classes in photogrammetry, remote sensing, and aerial photography.
Pursue a master's degree in a related field if desired. This will give you a competitive edge when seeking employment.
Gain experience in the field of Photographic Interpretation by interning or volunteering at a government agency or private company that specializes in this field.
Acquire certifications in the field of Photographic Interpretation. Organizations like the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) offer certifications that can help demonstrate your expertise.
Network with other professionals in the field to find out more information about job openings and potential employers.
Apply for jobs as a Photographic Interpretation Specialist. These jobs are typically found in government agencies and private firms that specialize in the analysis of aerial photographs.
Keep up to date with advances in technology and techniques related to Photographic Interpretation. As technology advances, so do the methods used to interpret aerial photographs.

The skills and efficiency of a Photographic Interpretation Specialist can be greatly improved by undertaking training in the use of software, attending seminars and workshops, and maintaining a keen eye for detail. Training in the use of software can help the specialist become proficient in image manipulation and analysis. Attending seminars and workshops will sharpen their technical skills, while giving them insight into the latest trends in the field.

Finally, maintaining a keen eye for detail will enable them to spot minute changes in images, allowing them to make accurate interpretations. By taking these steps, a Photographic Interpretation Specialist will be able to become more skilled and efficient in their job.

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Job Description

Review aerial or satellite imagery to identify, interpret and analyze natural and man-made features.
Generate digital maps, charts, reports and graphics from photographic data.
Monitor and evaluate changes in land use and terrain.
Perform photo interpretation analysis of imagery to support intelligence activities.
Employ various imaging systems, such as infrared, hyperspectral, and radar technologies to support intelligence operations.
Select and analyze appropriate images for specific purposes.
Utilize specialized software to enhance, measure and analyze images.
Document findings in written reports and on maps or charts.
Liaise with clients and other stakeholders to explain data analysis results.
Stay up-to-date on technical advances in the field of photographic interpretation.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of aerial photography and photogrammetry principles and techniques.
Ability to interpret various types of aerial imagery, including infrared, radar, and other remote sensing data.
Familiarity with geographic information systems (GIS) and digital mapping applications.
Ability to recognize and interpret features in aerial photographs.
Expertise in using specialized software to analyze aerial photographs and create digital maps.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
High level of attention to detail.
Ability to multi-task and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Strong problem-solving skills.

Photographic Interpretation Specialists are highly sought after professionals who have the ability to interpret aerial and satellite imagery. The skill of interpreting images is essential in interpreting terrain, mapping out land, and identifying objects. This skill requires an expert knowledge of the latest digital imaging technology, computer aided mapping software, and a keen eye for detail.

It also requires excellent problem-solving skills, a good understanding of geography, and the ability to recognize trends in data. Without this skill, many important decisions regarding land use, security, and other applications would be incomplete or inaccurate. For example, the ability to interpret aerial images can help identify illegal structures or unauthorized activities such as illegal logging or agricultural activities.

Furthermore, the ability to recognize changes over time can help track population growth or changes in land use patterns. Having this skill is essential for any organization that needs to interpret photographic data for various purposes.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in photographic interpretation?
What techniques do you use to interpret photographic images?
How do you approach analyzing a set of aerial photographs?
Describe a complex project involving photographic interpretation that you have completed.
How do you stay up to date with the latest developments in photographic interpretation?
How do you balance accuracy and speed in your work?
How do you approach interpreting large datasets of photographs?
What methods do you use to identify patterns in aerial photographs?
Describe a successful project where you used your expertise in photographic interpretation to achieve the desired results.
How do you use digital technology to enhance your photographic interpretation processes?

Common Tools in Industry

Image Analysis Software. This software helps to enhance, analyze and interpret aerial, satellite and drone imagery. (eg: ArcGIS, ENVI)
GIS Systems. Geographic Information Systems are used to store, manage, analyze and visualize spatial data. (eg: ArcGIS, QGIS)
GPS and Mapping Software. GPS and mapping software provide tools for tracking locations and creating maps. (eg: Google Maps, OpenStreetMap)
Photogrammetry Software. Photogrammetry software is used to create 3D models of physical objects from photographs. (eg: Agisoft Metashape, Pix4D)
Image Processing Software. Image processing software is used to enhance and manipulate digital images. (eg: Adobe Photoshop, CorelDraw)
Remote Sensing Software. Remote sensing software helps to analyze and interpret data from remote sensing instruments such as satellites and drones. (eg: ERDAS Imagine, ENVI)
Image Recognition Software. Image recognition software uses artificial intelligence to identify objects in images. (eg: Google Cloud Vision, Microsoft Computer Vision API)
CAD Software. Computer-aided design software is used to create digital models of objects and environments. (eg: AutoCAD, SketchUp)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS)
American Geographical Society (AGS)
International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS)
Association of American Geographers (AAG)
Association of Geographic Information Professionals (AGIP)
European Association of Remote Sensing Laboratories (EARSeL)
International Association for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (IAPRS)
Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry Society (RSPSoc)
International Society for Digital Earth (ISDE)
Imaging and Geospatial Information Society (IGIS)

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Common Important Terms

Photogrammetry. The science of making measurements from photographs, used to produce accurate maps and 3D models.
Image Analysis. The process of examining and interpreting digital images in order to gain insights about the objects, events, and activities depicted in the images.
Remote Sensing. The use of various technologies to measure and monitor the physical characteristics of an environment from a distance.
GIS (Geographic Information System). A system designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present spatial or geographic data.
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). A remote sensing method used to collect 3D data from a laser scanner.
Photographic Interpretation Key. A reference book used to interpret aerial photographs, providing detailed description of features in the photograph.
Orthoimagery. An aerial photograph that has been geometrically corrected so that it can be used as a map.
Aerial Photography. The practice of taking photographs of the land or other objects from the air.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Photographic Interpretation Specialist?

A Photographic Interpretation Specialist is a professional who interprets and analyzes aerial photographs and other imagery to identify and map geographic features, such as roads, rivers, and vegetation for various applications, such as urban planning, environmental monitoring, and military intelligence.

What skills are necessary for a Photographic Interpretation Specialist?

Photographic Interpretation Specialists need to have strong visual acuity and spatial awareness, as well as knowledge of cartography and geographic information systems (GIS). They should also have an understanding of aerial photography and remote sensing techniques and technologies.

What is the role of a Photographic Interpretation Specialist?

The role of a Photographic Interpretation Specialist is to interpret aerial photographs and other imagery to accurately identify and map geographic features. This data is then used for a variety of applications such as urban planning, environmental monitoring, and military intelligence.

What qualifications are needed to be a Photographic Interpretation Specialist?

To become a Photographic Interpretation Specialist, individuals should possess a bachelor's degree in geography, cartography, remote sensing, or GIS. Additional education and experience in aerial photography, image analysis, and computer mapping software may also be beneficial.

How much does a Photographic Interpretation Specialist typically earn?

According to PayScale, the median annual salary for a Photographic Interpretation Specialist is $62,000. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and industry.

Web Resources

Photography Specialist Diploma - Iowa Lakes Community College iowalakes.edu
"Photographic Interpretation Handbook, United States Forces: digitalcommons.unl.edu
Manual of Photographic Interpretation . R. N. Colwell www.journals.uchicago.edu