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.

What They Do

Remote sensing scientists and technologists analyze images and data collected from aircraft, satellites, and drones to understand what's happening on Earth's surface. They spend much of their time at computers, processing information captured by specialized cameras and sensors that detect everything from vegetation health to ocean temperatures to urban sprawl. These professionals clean and calibrate raw data, run sophisticated software to identify patterns, and create detailed maps and reports that help organizations make informed decisions. They might track deforestation in the Amazon, monitor crop conditions for agricultural companies, assess flood damage for emergency responders, or help city planners understand how urban areas are expanding.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Natural Sciences(bachelors)Harvard University, MA
$69,242
Physical Sciences(masters)Johns Hopkins University, MD
$65,799
Physical Sciences(bachelors)Empire State University, NY
$59,562
Natural Sciences(bachelors)Temple University, PA
$45,910
Natural Sciences(bachelors)California State University-Los Angeles, CA
$39,870
Physical Sciences(bachelors)University of Mary Washington, VA
$35,464
Natural Sciences(bachelors)Loyola Marymount University, CA
$33,647
Natural Sciences(bachelors)Christian Brothers University, TN
$33,145
Natural Sciences(bachelors)American Public University System, WV
$30,631
Natural Sciences(bachelors)Alma College, MI
$30,631
Natural Sciences(bachelors)Dallas Baptist University, TX
$30,631
Natural Sciences(bachelors)Bethel College-North Newton, KS
$30,631
Natural Sciences(bachelors)Case Western Reserve University, OH
$30,631
Natural Sciences(bachelors)Central College, IA
$30,631
Natural Sciences(bachelors)Dominican University New York, NY
$30,631
Natural Sciences(bachelors)California State University-Chico, CA
$30,631
Natural Sciences(bachelors)College of Saint Benedict, MN
$30,631
Natural Sciences(bachelors)California State University-Bakersfield, CA
$30,631
Natural Sciences(bachelors)Bard College at Simon's Rock, MA
$30,631
Natural Sciences(bachelors)Colorado State University-Fort Collins, CO
$30,631
Natural Sciences(bachelors)Concordia College at Moorhead, MN
$30,631
Natural Sciences(bachelors)Concordia University-Nebraska, NE
$30,631
Natural Sciences(bachelors)Colgate University, NY
$30,631
Natural Sciences(bachelors)Concordia University-Wisconsin, WI
$30,631
Natural Sciences(bachelors)Augustana University, SD
$30,631

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