Occupation · SOC 19-2099.01
Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists
Apply remote sensing principles and methods to analyze data and solve problems in areas such as natural resource management, urban planning, or homeland security. May develop new sensor systems, analytical techniques, or new applications for existing systems.
Median wage
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Projected growth
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Annual openings
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per year
Employed (US)
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Job Zone 4
Typical preparation
Considerable preparation
Stackable credential programs
78 mapped
Core skills
Reading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingWritingSpeakingScienceActive ListeningMathematicsJudgment and Decision MakingComplex Problem SolvingSystems EvaluationSystems AnalysisMonitoringActive LearningOperations AnalysisLearning StrategiesInstructingCoordinationTime ManagementSocial PerceptivenessService OrientationProgrammingManagement of Personnel ResourcesPersuasionOperations MonitoringNegotiationTechnology DesignQuality Control AnalysisOperation and ControlManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Financial ResourcesTroubleshootingEquipment SelectionRepairingInstallationEquipment Maintenance
Knowledge areas
GeographyMathematicsComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyEnglish LanguagePhysicsDesignCustomer and Personal ServiceAdministration and ManagementBiologyEducation and TrainingProduction and ProcessingCommunications and MediaPublic Safety and SecurityTelecommunicationsAdministrativeHistory and ArcheologySociology and AnthropologyTransportationPersonnel and Human ResourcesLaw and GovernmentSales and MarketingChemistryEconomics and AccountingPsychologyMechanicalForeign LanguageBuilding and ConstructionPhilosophy and TheologyFine ArtsMedicine and DentistryTherapy and CounselingFood Production
Technology & tools
Adobe Creative Cloud softwareAeronautical chartsAgisoft MetashapeAirdataAmazon DynamoDBAmazon Elastic Compute Cloud EC2Amazon RedshiftAmazon Simple Storage Service S3Amazon Web Services AWS CloudFormationAmazon Web Services AWS softwareAnsible softwareApache HTTP ServerApache HadoopApache HiveApache KafkaArduPilot Mission PlannerAtlassian JIRABAE Systems SOCET GXPBashCC#C++Calibration softwareCloudCompareCustomer relationship management CRM softwareDockerESRI ArcGIS softwareESRI Site Scan for ArcGISElasticsearchEpic SystemsExtensible markup language XMLFLIR Thermal Studio SuiteGamma remote sensing softwareGeographic information system GIS systemsGitGitHubGlobal positioning system GPS softwareGoHealthcare common procedure coding system HCPCSHypertext preprocessor PHP
Representative tasks
Working with ComputersProcessing InformationAnalyzing Data or InformationGetting InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersDocumenting/Recording InformationCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeThinking CreativelyOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsTraining and Teaching OthersDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsScheduling Work and ActivitiesEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsDeveloping and Building TeamsProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersCoaching and Developing OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsStaffing Organizational UnitsControlling Machines and ProcessesResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicSelling or Influencing OthersPerforming General Physical ActivitiesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentHandling and Moving ObjectsAssisting and Caring for Others
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Remote sensing datasets — retrieve and organize under direct supervision using established file management protocols in a geospatial lab environment.Image analysis software — apply basic functions to load and display aerial or satellite imagery under the guidance of a senior scientist.Geospatial data documentation — compile and maintain metadata records following standardized templates on assigned project files.Statistical analysis tools — execute pre-configured scripts to summarize remote sensing data outputs under direct oversight.Raw imagery files — format and convert to required project specifications using graphic or photo imaging software with supervisor direction.GIS platform basics — import vector and raster datasets and verify coordinate reference systems under structured guidance.Project status updates — draft written summaries of data collection progress using established report templates for team review.Equipment requirements — participate in team discussions about sensor platforms and data collection needs under the direction of a project lead.Land cover classification workflows — follow documented procedures to assign spectral classes to satellite imagery with close supervision.External geospatial data sources — locate and download publicly available datasets to support integration tasks as directed by senior staff.
developing
Remote sensing data pipelines — manage end-to-end processing of aerial and satellite imagery with reduced oversight on routine project deliverables.GIS and image analysis software — perform multi-layer spatial analyses and produce derivative data products for standard land cover mapping projects.Ancillary geospatial datasets — integrate elevation, census, and environmental data into remote sensing projects to enrich analytical outputs.Geospatial data repositories — maintain organized, version-controlled archives and associated documentation across multiple concurrent projects.Image compilation workflows — apply radiometric and geometric correction procedures to improve imagery quality and analytical utility.Project reports and presentations — prepare clear written reports and slide decks summarizing geospatial findings for internal stakeholders.Statistical analysis software — apply classification algorithms and accuracy assessment methods to evaluate remote sensing map outputs.Team communications — contribute technical input during project planning discussions, clearly conveying equipment and methodology requirements.Database management systems — design and query geospatial databases to store, retrieve, and manage large volumes of sensor-derived data.Cloud-based processing platforms — configure and run batch processing jobs on cloud infrastructure to handle moderate-scale imagery datasets.
proficient
Complex remote sensing datasets — design and execute advanced analytical workflows autonomously, deriving actionable insights across multispectral, hyperspectral, and LiDAR data types.Critical project decisions — apply expert judgment to select appropriate sensors, platforms, and analytical methodologies for non-routine environmental monitoring challenges.Multi-source geospatial integration — fuse satellite, airborne, and ground-based datasets seamlessly into unified spatial models for high-stakes deliverables.Advanced classification systems — develop and validate supervised and unsupervised machine learning models for land cover and change detection mapping.Geospatial data quality assurance — establish and enforce rigorous accuracy assessment protocols to ensure analytical integrity across the full project lifecycle.Technical reports and presentations — author peer-quality written analyses and deliver compelling presentations of geospatial results to diverse technical audiences.Systems analysis — evaluate the performance of remote sensing data collection systems against project objectives and recommend operational improvements.Expert system and analytical software — configure and customize scientific toolsets to solve complex geospatial problems without external assistance.Cross-disciplinary data synthesis — incorporate biology, physics, and engineering knowledge domains to interpret remote sensing signals in applied environmental contexts.Project methodology design — lead technical scoping discussions with colleagues to define data acquisition strategies, processing chains, and success criteria.
advanced
Organizational remote sensing strategy — set the technical direction and standards for large-scale geospatial programs across multiple projects and client portfolios.Innovation in analytical methods — pioneer the adoption of emerging sensor technologies and machine learning frameworks to advance the organization's remote sensing capabilities.Workforce development — mentor and evaluate junior scientists and technologists, designing learning strategies that build technical depth across the team.Enterprise geospatial infrastructure — lead the design and governance of cloud-based data management and processing architectures supporting organization-wide operations.Executive-level reporting — communicate complex remote sensing findings and strategic recommendations to senior leadership, government agencies, and external partners.Cross-sector partnerships — negotiate and manage collaborative agreements with satellite data providers, research institutions, and industry clients to expand mission scope.Systems evaluation at scale — assess the effectiveness of entire remote sensing programs against scientific and operational benchmarks, driving evidence-based program evolution.Research agenda leadership — define and champion applied research priorities that align remote sensing science with emerging societal and environmental challenges.Ethical and policy frameworks — establish organizational standards for data integrity, geospatial data sharing, and responsible use of sensitive imagery products.Operations analysis and resource planning — oversee budgeting, technology procurement, and staffing allocations to ensure sustained capability and mission readiness across the remote sensing enterprise.
Also known as
47 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
All Source Intelligence AnalystCommercial Drone OperatorCommercial Drone PilotDrone OperatorDrone PilotGeospatial Image AnalystGeospatial Intelligence AnalystImage ScientistImagery Remote Sensing ScientistLIDAR Analyst (Light Detection and Ranging Analyst)LIDAR Scientist (Light Detection and Ranging Scientist)MASINT Analyst (Measurement and Signatures Intelligence Analyst)Microwave Remote Sensing ScientistRadar Exploitation ScientistRadar ScientistRemote PilotRemote Pilot in Command (RPIC)Remote Sensing AnalystRemote Sensing Certified Mapping ScientistRemote Sensing EngineerRemote Sensing Research ScientistRemote Sensing ScientistRemote Sensing SpecialistRemote Sensing TechnologistRemotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Controller (RPAS Controller)Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Operator (RPAS Operator)Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Pilot (RPAS Pilot)Research ScientistScientistSensor AssemblerSensor SpecialistSignal Intelligence Analyst (SIGINT Analyst)Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator (sUAS Operator)Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (sUAS Pilot)Spectral ScientistThermal Intelligence AnalystUnmanned Aerial Systems Operator (UAS Operator)Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot)Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Operator (UAV Operator)Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Pilot (UAV Pilot)