Remote sensing scientist
Also known as
Work environment
- Usually work regular business hours but may work evenings or weekends
- Usually work in offices and outdoors and may travel
- Need to be methodical, accurate and identify and solve problems
Salary information
Typical tasks
- Analyse geological or geographical remote system data
- Collect environmental data and samples
- Record research or operational data
- Develop scientific databases
- Develop research methods
- Test and assess new technology and methods
- Prepare scientific reports and presentations
- Train people in scientific methods
Outlook
Remote sensing is becoming more valuable for monitoring land, oceans, weather, biodiversity and natural hazards. In New Zealand, satellite imagery, drones and geospatial data support climate adaptation, farming, conservation and emergency planning. International satellite programmes and open data are expanding what can be observed. Artificial intelligence is helping process large datasets, but reliable interpretation remains important for good decisions.
What employers and industry want in graduates
- Strong science, geography and data-analysis knowledge
- Ability to interpret satellite, aerial or sensor data
- Confidence using GIS, coding and geospatial software
- Analytical problem-solving and careful checking of results
- Understanding of environmental systems and data limitations
- Clear communication of findings through maps, reports and visualisations
AUT programmes
The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.
Further study options
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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.