Remote Sensing Technicians

Also called: Digital Cartographic Technician, Document Image Technician, Geospatial Extractor, Analysis, IP/Mosaic Technician, LIDAR Technician (Light Detection and Ranging Technician)

Remote Sensing Technicians

Varies

estimated salary

Remote sensing technicians apply remote sensing technologies to assist scientists in areas such as natural resources, urban planning, or homeland security. May prepare flight plans or sensor configurations for flight trips.

  • Collect geospatial data, using technologies such as aerial photography, light and radio wave detection systems, digital satellites, or thermal energy systems.
  • Verify integrity and accuracy of data contained in remote sensing image analysis systems.
  • Integrate remotely sensed data with other geospatial data.
  • Consult with remote sensing scientists, surveyors, cartographers, or engineers to determine project needs.
  • Adjust remotely sensed images for optimum presentation by using software to select image displays, define image set categories, or choose processing routines.
  • Manipulate raw data to enhance interpretation, either on the ground or during remote sensing flights.
  • Merge scanned images or build photo mosaics of large areas, using image processing software.
  • Participate in the planning or development of mapping projects.
  • Prepare documentation or presentations, including charts, photos, or graphs.
  • Correct raw data for errors due to factors such as skew or atmospheric variation.
  • Calibrate data collection equipment.
  • Develop or maintain geospatial information databases.
  • Monitor raw data quality during collection, and make equipment corrections as necessary.
  • Maintain records of survey data.
  • Operate airborne remote sensing equipment, such as survey cameras, sensors, or scanners.
  • Evaluate remote sensing project requirements to determine the types of equipment or computer software necessary to meet project requirements, such as specific image types or output resolutions.
  • Collect verification data on the ground, using equipment such as global positioning receivers, digital cameras, or notebook computers.
  • Document methods used and write technical reports containing information collected.
  • Develop specialized computer software routines to customize and integrate image analysis.
  • Collaborate with agricultural workers to apply remote sensing information to efforts to reduce negative environmental impacts of farming practices.
  • Collect remote sensing data for forest or carbon tracking activities involved in assessing the impact of environmental change.
  • Provide remote sensing data for use in addressing environmental issues, such as surface water modeling or dust cloud detection.
Work Context
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 89% responded "Every day".
  • Electronic Mail — 75% responded "Every day".
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 68% responded "Extremely important".
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 63% responded "Every day".
  • Spend Time Sitting — 62% responded "Continually or almost continually".
  • Work With Work Group or Team — 56% responded "Extremely important".
  • Freedom to Make Decisions — 42% responded "A lot of freedom".
  • Read More
Work Activities
  • Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Read More
Detailed Work Activities
  • Record research or operational data.
  • Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
  • Develop software or applications for scientific or technical use.
  • Collect geographical or geological field data.
  • Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
  • Operate laboratory or field equipment.
  • Read More

Knowledge

Geography
  • Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Computers and Electronics
  • Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Mathematics
  • Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Read More

Skills

Critical Thinking
  • Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking
  • Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Mathematics
  • Using mathematics to solve problems.
Read More

Abilities

Information Ordering
  • The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Problem Sensitivity
  • The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Deductive Reasoning
  • The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Read More

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
Read More

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Data base user interface and query software
  • Microsoft Access Hot Technology
  • ESRI ArcCatalog
Spreadsheet software
  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology
Office suite software
  • Microsoft Office Hot Technology
Read More

Education

Get started on your career:

Job Outlook

New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
Salary
NA
NA
NA

Explore More