How to Be Remote Sensing Scientist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Oct 9, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The use of remote sensing in scientific research has grown exponentially over the past two decades. This has been driven largely by advances in technology, such as the development of more powerful satellites and the increased availability of high-resolution aerial imagery. As a result, remote sensing scientists are now able to get a much more detailed view of the Earth's surface from space or from the air, giving them unprecedented insight into the environment.

This data can be used to study climate change, monitor natural disasters, predict crop yields, and track animal migration, among other applications. Remote sensing scientists are also able to use the data to make informed decisions about resource management and conservation efforts. By leveraging the power of remote sensing, these scientists are helping to ensure a sustainable future for our planet.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. A bachelors degree in a field such as geography, physics, or engineering is the minimum educational requirement for a career as a remote sensing scientist.
Obtain Professional Certification. Professional certification from organizations such as the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) can help to demonstrate the competency of remote sensing scientists.
Pursue Graduate Studies. Graduate studies can provide remote sensing scientists with an in-depth understanding of the field and advanced research skills.
Acquire Work Experience. Work experience in the field is essential for remote sensing scientists. This can be obtained through internships, research positions, or work with consulting firms.
Remain Up-to-Date on Developments. Remote sensing technology is constantly changing, so remote sensing scientists must stay up-to-date on emerging developments in order to remain competitive in the field.

The development of reliable and qualified Remote Sensing Scientists depends on the successful combination of a variety of skills and knowledge. Firstly, they must have a strong understanding of the fundamentals of remote sensing technology, including digital image processing, spectral analysis, and geographic information systems. A solid background in mathematics, physics, and computer science is also essential for accurate data analysis.

Secondly, scientists must be able to interpret the data collected from satellites and other remote sensing platforms in order to accurately identify and interpret land cover changes and other environmental phenomena. they must be well-versed in the laws, regulations, and ethical considerations that govern the use of such data. Lastly, they need to have an excellent understanding of the natural environment so they can accurately interpret the data they have collected.

When all of these pieces are combined, remote sensing scientists can provide reliable and qualified services to their clients.

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Job Description

Develop, implement, and maintain remote sensing systems and processes.
Collect and analyze data using advanced remote sensing techniques and methods.
Produce, interpret, and present maps, aerial photographs, and other geographic data.
Monitor and track environmental changes using remote sensing data.
Collaborate with other scientists to develop remote sensing projects.
Develop machine learning algorithms to process remote sensing data.
Create algorithms to detect changes in land cover and land use.
Integrate remote sensing data with other geospatial information.
Develop models to predict land cover and land use changes.
Utilize the latest technologies to process remote sensing data.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of remote sensing principles, instruments, and analysis techniques
Proficiency in programming languages related to remote sensing (e. g. Python, R, MATLAB)
Ability to interpret and analyze aerial, satellite, and airborne imagery
Experience with GIS software (e. g. ArcGIS, QGIS)
Strong knowledge of image processing and analysis techniques
Familiarity with digital photogrammetry and LiDAR
Understanding of the fundamentals of geospatial data management
Ability to integrate remote sensing data with other data sources
Familiarity with cloud computing and distributed computing systems
Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Having good communication skills is an essential skill for any remote sensing scientist. Being able to effectively convey ideas and results to colleagues and collaborators is key for successful research. the ability to understand complex scientific data and explain it in a way that can be understood by non-specialists is essential for successful communication.

Furthermore, having expertise in programming languages such as Python, R or MATLAB, as well as geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing techniques, are all essential for the job. With these technical skills, remote sensing scientists will be able to effectively analyze, interpret and visualize data, as well as generate new knowledge from existing datasets. Finally, having strong problem-solving skills is important for remote sensing scientists, as they often have to use their creativity and analytical skills to come up with unconventional solutions to complex problems.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have with remote sensing technologies?
Can you describe your most successful remote sensing project to date?
How do you keep up to date with new trends and developments in the field of remote sensing?
What methods do you use to ensure accuracy and precision in your remote sensing data?
What challenges have you faced in the field of remote sensing and how did you overcome them?
What is your experience with the most popular remote sensing software packages available?
How do you go about interpreting and analyzing remote sensing data?
What do you consider to be the most important factors when conducting a remote sensing project?
What challenges do you think the industry currently faces in regards to remote sensing technology?
What strategies do you have for effectively communicating remote sensing data results to stakeholders?

Common Tools in Industry

Spectral Analysis Software. Software used to analyze the spectral information of images, extracted from satellites or other remote sensing sources. (eg: ENVI by Harris Corporation)
Computer Vision Algorithms. Algorithms used to process and interpret satellite images, allowing for automated pattern and feature recognition. (eg: Google Earth Engine)
Image Processing Software. Software used to manipulate, enhance and analyze images. (eg: Photoshop by Adobe)
GIS Software. Geographical Information Systems software used to store, analyze, manage and display geographic data. (eg: ArcGIS by Esri)
Remote Sensing Platforms. Platforms used to store, retrieve and process satellite images. (eg: Google Earth Pro)
Autonomous Sensors. Sensors used to collect data from remote locations, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). (eg: DJI Phantom 4 Pro)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS)
International Society of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS)
Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry Society (RSPSoc)
International Association for the Physical Sciences of the Oceans (IAPSO)
European Association of Remote Sensing Laboratories (EARSEL)
Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS)
International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium (IGARSS)
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA)
Space Imaging Corporation (Space Imaging)
Open Source Geospatial Foundation (OSGeo)

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Common Important Terms

Remote Sensing. The use of satellite or aerial imagery, aircraft or other sensors to measure and monitor the Earth's surface from a distance.
GIS (Geographic Information Systems). Software that allows users to capture, store, analyze and manage spatial data.
Digital Elevation Model (DEM). A 3D representation of the terrain surface, providing information on elevation, slope and aspect.
Image Processing. The use of algorithms and software to extract meaningful information from imagery.
Photogrammetry. The science of making measurements from photographs.
Hyperspectral Imaging. The use of multiple wavelengths of light to analyze objects on the Earth's surface.
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). A remote sensing technique used to measure the distance between a sensor and objects on the Earth's surface.
SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar). A remote sensing technique used to measure the distance between a sensor and objects on the Earth's surface using radio waves.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Remote Sensing?

Remote sensing is the use of technology to collect data about an object or area from a distance, usually via satellite or airborne platforms.

What does a Remote Sensing Scientist do?

A Remote Sensing Scientist interprets data collected by remote sensing technology and applies it to a variety of scientific applications, such as environmental monitoring, land-use planning, and urban development.

What qualifications are required to become a Remote Sensing Scientist?

To become a Remote Sensing Scientist, one typically needs at least a Master's degree in a related field, such as geography, geology, or earth sciences. In some cases, experience in related areas such as GIS, cartography, and programming may also be beneficial.

What type of technologies do Remote Sensing Scientists use?

Remote Sensing Scientists use a variety of technologies, such as radar, LiDAR, and hyperspectral imaging, to collect data about the environment.

What are some of the applications of Remote Sensing?

Remote Sensing can be used for a variety of applications, such as environmental monitoring, land-use planning, urban development, disaster response, and agricultural management.

Web Resources

Remote Sensing Scientist - College of Science - Purdue University www.purdue.edu
Example Career: Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists www.wvu.edu
Remote Sensing Scientist: Remote | Natural Resources Job Board wfscjobs.tamu.edu