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

Feb 26, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The increasing use of remote sensing has had a significant effect on the way we collect and analyze data. It has become a powerful tool for tracking, monitoring, and analyzing vast amounts of information from far away locations. This technology has enabled scientists to uncover previously unknown natural phenomena and gain insights into our environment, climate, and ecosystems.

It has also allowed researchers to uncover patterns of urban development and map resources like water, minerals, and forests. Remote sensing has been used to detect land use change and monitor environmental degradation, helping to provide better decision-making for conservation and management. remote sensing has enabled more accurate forecast and prediction models as well as improved disaster preparedness and response.

As a result of this technology, we are able to better understand our planet and make more informed decisions on how to protect it.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. A bachelor's degree in the field of geography, earth science, engineering or other related fields is the first step towards becoming a remote sensing specialist. Many universities offer remote sensing as a minor or major emphasis in a geography degree program.
Develop Skills. To become a successful remote sensing specialist, you must have excellent skills in mathematics, computer programming and image processing. Developing a strong knowledge of GIS (Geographic Information Systems), digital image analysis and related software is also essential.
Get Certified. Becoming certified as a remote sensing specialist is a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers. The American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) offers certification for remote sensing specialists.
Get Experience. Most employers prefer remote sensing specialists who have experience in the field. Internships and volunteering are great ways to gain experience in remote sensing and make valuable connections.
Pursue a Master's Degree. A master's degree in remote sensing or a related field can set you apart from other job applicants and give you the opportunity to specialize in a certain area of the field. This can open up more job opportunities and higher salaries.

The use of remote sensing technology has become increasingly important in a variety of industries, from agriculture to oil and gas exploration. This trend is a result of the ability of remote sensing to provide reliable and efficient data collection and analysis. By utilizing satellite imagery and other remote sensing techniques, organizations can quickly and accurately assess the condition of their land or resources.

remote sensing allows for better coverage of large areas, which increases its value for monitoring natural resources or tracking changes in land use. The use of remote sensing technology is also cost-effective, as it eliminates the need for costly field data collection. the use of remote sensing is essential for organizations looking to make informed decisions with reliable and efficient data collection and analysis.

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Job Description

GIS Analyst: Collects and analyzes geographic data for use in maps, applications, and other geographic information systems (GIS).
Remote Sensing Analyst: Collects and interprets data from remote sensing devices such as satellites, aerial photography, and other imagery to produce maps and other related products.
Remote Sensing Technician: Operates remote sensing equipment, such as satellites, airplanes, cameras, and other imaging technology to collect data for analysis.
Geospatial Data Analyst: Analyzes geographic data to identify and interpret trends or patterns in the environment.
Image Processing Specialist: Manipulates digital images and data to create maps and other visual representations of geographic information.
Digital Mapping Specialist: Creates digital maps using GIS software and other tools to support data analysis and decision-making.
Aerial Photographer: Captures aerial photographs of land, buildings, and other features for use in creating maps or other geographic products.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of remote sensing technologies and principles.
Expertise in data analysis and interpretation.
Proficiency in using remote sensing software and applications.
Understanding of GIS concepts and principles.
Ability to communicate complex technical information.
Ability to troubleshoot and solve technical problems.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent organizational and project management skills.
Familiarity with project management tools and techniques.
Knowledge of image processing techniques and algorithms.
Knowledge of geospatial data formats, standards, and protocols.
Experience with aerial photography and photogrammetry.
Knowledge of radar and other sensors for remote sensing.
Ability to develop data acquisition plans and procedures.
Ability to develop graphical and tabular reports from remote sensing data.

As a Remote Sensing Specialist, the most important skill to have is the ability to interpret and analyze data. This includes having knowledge of the various remote sensing technologies available, such as satellite imagery, aerial photography, and laser scanning, and being able to utilize the data produced by these methods to draw meaningful conclusions. The ability to understand the physical processes that govern the Earths environment is also essential, so having an understanding of geology, geography, meteorology and ecology is important.

the ability to communicate these findings in an effective manner is essential, as it allows remote sensing specialists to accurately inform and advise decision-makers on how best to manage natural resources and plan for future development. Having proficiency in computer technology and software such as GIS is also beneficial for data analysis. All of these skills together enable Remote Sensing Specialists to effectively identify, analyze and interpret data, which can then be used to make more informed decisions about the environment.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with remote sensing technologies?
What areas of remote sensing do you specialize in?
How well do you understand the terminology associated with remote sensing?
What methods have you used to optimize remote sensing data processing?
How would you go about mapping an area using remote sensing?
What challenges have you faced while working with remote sensing data?
How have you successfully integrated remote sensing with GIS systems?
What techniques have you used to analyze data collected through remote sensing?
How do you stay up to date on the latest technologies in remote sensing?
In what ways can you use remote sensing to monitor environmental changes?

Common Tools in Industry

Remote Sensing Software. A software used to analyze and interpret remotely sensed imagery such as aerial and satellite photos. (eg: ENVI, ERDAS Imagine)
GIS Software. Geographic Information System (GIS) software is used to analyze and visualize data with a spatial or geographic component. (eg: ArcGIS, QGIS)
Image Processing Software. Software used to process and analyze imagery from various sources, such as aerial and satellite images. (eg: eCognition, PCI Geomatica)
Image Classification Software. Software used to classify imagery into different categories based on algorithms and user-defined parameters. (eg: ENVI Classification, Orfeo Toolbox)
LiDAR Processing Software. Software used to process and analyze LiDAR data, which is collected via remote sensing technology. (eg: LAStools, FUSION)
Geostatistical Software. Software used to analyze and model spatially distributed data. (eg: SAGA GIS, GeoDa)
Raster Analysis Software. Software used to analyze and interpret raster data, which is data represented as a grid of cells or pixels. (eg: GRASS GIS, Whitebox GAT)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS)
European Association of Remote Sensing Laboratories (EARSeL)
International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS)
Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry Society (RSPSoc)
Society of Remote Sensing Professionals (SRSP)
International Association of Geodesy (IAG)
International Society for Digital Earth (ISDE)
International Cartographic Association (ICA)
International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS)
Canadian Remote Sensing Society (CRSS)

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Common Important Terms

Hyperspectral Imaging. A type of remote sensing that captures a wide range of information about an object or scene by analyzing the entire spectrum of electromagnetic radiation.
LiDAR. Light Detection and Ranging, a remote sensing technology that uses laser pulses to measure objects and terrain.
Geospatial Analysis. The analysis, interpretation, and use of geospatial data to produce maps, models, and other products.
Orthorectification. A process of correcting distortions in aerial photographs caused by camera tilt or terrain relief.
Image Classification. A process of assigning labels to pixels in an image based on the characteristics of the objects or features they represent.
Digital Elevation Model (DEM). A three-dimensional representation of a terrains surface, derived from elevation data.
Spectral Signature. A unique pattern of reflectance across the different wavelengths of light in the electromagnetic spectrum.
Remote Sensing Platforms. Devices used to collect data from remote locations, such as satellites and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Remote Sensing?

Remote sensing is the science of obtaining information about an object or phenomenon without making physical contact with it, typically by using aerial photography or satellite data.

What skills are needed to become a Remote Sensing Specialist?

To become a Remote Sensing Specialist, one needs to have a strong knowledge of computer programming, advanced mathematics, physics, and geospatial analysis. Additionally, familiarity with GIS software and experience with image processing and analysis are highly beneficial.

What type of employers hire Remote Sensing Specialists?

Remote Sensing Specialists are employed in a variety of industries including environmental consulting, forestry, agriculture, civil engineering, and scientific research. Additionally, government agencies such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) also hire Remote Sensing Specialists.

What is the salary range of a Remote Sensing Specialist?

According to PayScale.com, the median salary for a Remote Sensing Specialist ranges from $46,000 to $90,000 per year, depending on experience and other factors.

What qualifications are required to become a Remote Sensing Specialist?

Most employers require a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as geography, geology, or earth science. Additionally, some employers may require a master's degree or certification in remote sensing or GIS analysis.

Web Resources

Remote Sensing Specialist - Stanford University Careers careersearch.stanford.edu
Remote Sensing Specialist (Associate Specialist), Environmental lcluc.umd.edu
Remote Sensing Specialist Santa Barbara, CA wfscjobs.tamu.edu