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.
How AI Impacts Each Task
24 tasks analyzed
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.
Design or implement strategies for collection, analysis, or display of geographic data.
Integrate other geospatial data sources into projects.
Discuss project goals, equipment requirements, or methodologies with colleagues or team members.
Develop or build databases for remote sensing or related geospatial project information.
Collect supporting data, such as climatic or field survey data, to corroborate remote sensing data analyses.
Prepare or deliver reports or presentations of geospatial project information.
Participate in fieldwork.
Organize and maintain geospatial data and associated documentation.
Conduct research into the application or enhancement of remote sensing technology.
Train technicians in the use of remote sensing technology.
Attend meetings or seminars or read current literature to maintain knowledge of developments in the field of remote sensing.
Apply remote sensing data or techniques, such as surface water modeling or dust cloud detection, to address environmental issues.
Develop automated routines to correct for the presence of image distorting artifacts, such as ground vegetation.
Develop new analytical techniques or sensor systems.
Monitor quality of remote sensing data collection operations to determine if procedural or equipment changes are necessary.
Compile and format image data to increase its usefulness.
Set up or maintain remote sensing data collection systems.
Use remote sensing data for forest or carbon tracking activities to assess the impact of environmental change.
Direct all activity associated with implementation, operation, or enhancement of remote sensing hardware or software.
Direct installation or testing of new remote sensing hardware or software.
Recommend new remote sensing hardware or software acquisitions.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manage or analyze data obtained from remote sensing systems to obtain meaningful results. | 70Estimated | 55.0% | 10% | |
| Analyze data acquired from aircraft, satellites, or ground-based platforms, using statistical analysis software, image analysis software, or Geographic Information Systems (GIS). | 70Estimated | 55.0% | 10% | |
| Process aerial or satellite imagery to create products such as land cover maps. | 92Estimated | 86.0% | 8% | |
| Design or implement strategies for collection, analysis, or display of geographic data. | 50Estimated | 47.0% | 6% | |
| Integrate other geospatial data sources into projects. | 60Estimated | 51.0% | 5% | |
| Discuss project goals, equipment requirements, or methodologies with colleagues or team members. | 20Estimated | 23.0% | 5% | |
| Develop or build databases for remote sensing or related geospatial project information. | 65Estimated | 53.0% | 4% | |
| Collect supporting data, such as climatic or field survey data, to corroborate remote sensing data analyses. | 50Estimated | 47.0% | 4% | |
| Prepare or deliver reports or presentations of geospatial project information. | 40Estimated | 31.0% | 5% | |
| Participate in fieldwork. | 10Estimated | 13.0% | 3% | |
| Organize and maintain geospatial data and associated documentation. | 37.15Observed | 64.1% | 4% | |
| Conduct research into the application or enhancement of remote sensing technology. | 50Estimated | 47.0% | 4% | |
| Train technicians in the use of remote sensing technology. | 30Estimated | 27.0% | 2% | |
| Attend meetings or seminars or read current literature to maintain knowledge of developments in the field of remote sensing. | 55Estimated | 49.0% | 3% | |
| Apply remote sensing data or techniques, such as surface water modeling or dust cloud detection, to address environmental issues. | 70Estimated | 55.0% | 4% | |
| Develop automated routines to correct for the presence of image distorting artifacts, such as ground vegetation. | 75Estimated | 57.0% | 4% | |
| Develop new analytical techniques or sensor systems. | 40Estimated | 43.0% | 3% | |
| Monitor quality of remote sensing data collection operations to determine if procedural or equipment changes are necessary. | 65Estimated | 53.0% | 3% | |
| Compile and format image data to increase its usefulness. | 41.95Observed | 66.0% | 4% | |
| Set up or maintain remote sensing data collection systems. | 10Estimated | 13.0% | 2% | |
| Use remote sensing data for forest or carbon tracking activities to assess the impact of environmental change. | 75Estimated | 57.0% | 3% | |
| Direct all activity associated with implementation, operation, or enhancement of remote sensing hardware or software. | 20Estimated | 23.0% | 2% | |
| Direct installation or testing of new remote sensing hardware or software. | 20Estimated | 23.0% | 2% | |
| Recommend new remote sensing hardware or software acquisitions. | 50Estimated | 47.0% | 2% |
Skill Impact Analysis
AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
AI-Resistant Skills (11)
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Service Orientation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Persuasion is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
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Risk reduction and salary impact are estimates based on skill gap analysis, course relevance, and labor market data. Actual results vary by individual circumstance.
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Score History
Risk score over 2 scoring runs
overall change
Education & Training
Percentage of workers at each education and training level
Education Level
Prior Experience Needed
Work experience required to enter this job
Training Provided After Hiring
How long it typically takes to learn on the job
Related News
Recent articles about AI affecting this occupation
University Lectures Chopped Up and Turned Into AI Slop
Arizona State University is beta-testing "ASU Atomic," a tool that automatically slices faculty lectures into short clips to generate learning materials. Educators are raising alarms about their intellectual property being repurposed without consent to automate teaching tasks.
Last scored March 14, 2026 · Based on BLS employment data and O*NET task analysis