In the Air Force:
Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst; Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Helper, Russian; Airborne Mission Systems Specialist Apprentice, RC-135; Airborne Mission Systems Specialist Journeyman, RQ-4; Cryptologic Language Analyst Craftsman, Hebrew; Geospatial Intelligence Apprentice; Physicist/Nuclear Engineer, RPA; Signals Intelligence Journeyman, Communications Analyst; Special Mission Aviator Apprentice, AC-130J; Special Mission Aviator Journeyman, HH-60
In the Army:
Army Astronaut; Aviation All-Source Intelligence; Command and Control Systems Integrator; Field Artillery (FA) Weapons Locating Radar (WLR) Specialist; Geospatial Engineering Technician; Geospatial Intelligence Imagery Technician; Intelligence Systems Integration and Maintenance Technician; Signals Acquisition/Exploitation Analyst; Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) Voice Interceptor; Signals Intelligence Analyst; Space Operations
Remote sensing technology is used to solve problems in natural resource management, farming, urban planning, homeland security, and other areas by using photographic data. Remote sensing scientists, technologists, and technicians produce and interpret the images gathered by this technology. Remote sensing technicians first determine the data a project calls for, typically on behalf of surveyors, engineers, and remote sensing scientists. Then they develop a flight plan to acquire the relevant images, using survey cameras or sensors mounted on drones to collect aerial photography. After checking the images for accuracy, they often enhance them to highlight the data needed for their project. Remote sensing scientists and technologists use statistical analysis software and geographic information systems to analyze and manage data from remote sensing systems, such as aircraft, satellites, or ground based sources. They use images, confirmed by data from field surveys and weather reports, to build databases, create maps, and track different measurements of environmental and climate change. Scientists and technologists also prepare and deliver reports, and explore new ways to use remote sensing technology. Most remote sensing technician positions require a bachelor’s degree in the field, and work experience. Remote sensing scientists and technologists typically need a master's degree, or Ph.D. along with work experience in the field. Courses in geography, cartography, and meteorology are helpful for all positions.
What they do:
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.
On the job, you would:
Manage or analyze data obtained from remote sensing systems to obtain meaningful results.
Analyze data acquired from aircraft, satellites, or ground-based platforms, using statistical analysis software, image analysis software, or Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Process aerial or satellite imagery to create products such as land cover maps.
Math and Science
geography
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Arts and Humanities
English language
Engineering and Technology
computers and electronics
product and service development
Education and Training
teaching and course design
Basic Skills
reading work related information
thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
People and Technology Systems
figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it
Verbal
read and understand what is written
communicate by speaking
Ideas and Logic
make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
notice when problems happen
Math
choose the right type of math to solve a problem
add, subtract, multiply, or divide
Visual Understanding
see hidden patterns
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
Analytical Thinking
Attention to Detail
Integrity
Dependability
Initiative
Achievement/Effort
You might use software like this on the job:
Analytical or scientific software
Calibration software
The MathWorks MATLAB
Video creation and editing software
YouTube
Object or component oriented development software
Objective C
Scala
master's degree or doctoral degree usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.