Careers
>Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
>Science and Mathematics
>Remote Sensing Technicians
Remote Sensing Technicians
Overview
Salary
Demand
Core Tasks
Technology Skills
Tools Used
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Top 10 Skills
Top 10 Abilities
Top 10 Work Activities
Detailed Work Activities
Work Context
Education
Majors
Interests
Top 10 Work Styles
Work Values
Overview
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Education
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Job Training
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Examples
Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, chemists, art directors, and cost estimators.
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.
Salary Salary
Salary at 10th Percentile: $30K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $39K
Median Salary: $52K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $66K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $86K
Demand
Core Tasks
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.
Correct raw data for errors due to factors such as skew or atmospheric variation.
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.
Calibrate data collection equipment.
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.
Develop or maintain geospatial information databases.
Monitor raw data quality during collection, and make equipment corrections as necessary.
Participate in the planning or development of mapping projects.
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.
Develop specialized computer software routines to customize and integrate image analysis.
Document methods used and write technical reports containing information collected.
Prepare documentation or presentations, including charts, photos, or graphs.
Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Geography
86%
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
85%
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Customer and Personal Service
71%
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Mathematics
71%
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Engineering and Technology
70%
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Production and Processing
65%
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
English Language
63%
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Administration and Management
57%
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Design
57%
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Education and Training
57%
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Top 10 Skills
Critical Thinking
75%
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Mathematics
70%
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Reading Comprehension
70%
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking
70%
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening
68%
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Judgment and Decision Making
68%
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Monitoring
68%
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Systems Analysis
68%
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Complex Problem Solving
65%
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Writing
65%
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Top 10 Abilities
Deductive Reasoning
75%
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Information Ordering
75%
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
75%
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.
Inductive Reasoning
73%
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Near Vision
73%
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Comprehension
73%
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression
73%
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Speech Clarity
70%
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Written Comprehension
70%
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Expression
70%
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Top 10 Work Activities
Interacting With Computers
93%
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Getting Information
88%
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Processing Information
84%
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
83%
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Analyzing Data or Information
82%
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
81%
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
78%
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
77%
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
76%
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
75%
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
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.
Operate laboratory or field equipment.
Calibrate scientific or technical equipment.
Create images or other visual displays.
Develop technical or scientific databases.
Analyze geological or geographical data.
Collaborate with technical specialists to resolve design or development problems.
Collect environmental data or samples.
Communicate results of environmental research.
Work Context
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
Electronic Mail
How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
Face-to-Face Discussions
How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
Spend Time Sitting
How much does this job require sitting?
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job?
Work With Work Group or Team
How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
How much does this job require making repetitive motions?
Freedom to Make Decisions
How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
Education
Majors based on the broader career Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other
Major
Interests
Realistic
96%
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Investigative
81%
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Conventional
67%
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Enterprising
29%
Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Social
29%
Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
Artistic
24%
Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Top 10 Work Styles
Attention to Detail
91%
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Analytical Thinking
85%
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Dependability
82%
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Initiative
82%
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Persistence
82%
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Achievement/Effort
80%
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Adaptability/Flexibility
79%
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Cooperation
78%
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Integrity
78%
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Independence
76%
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Work Values
Support
77%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Working Conditions
65%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Achievement
62%
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Independence
62%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Relationships
58%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Recognition
53%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
