What does a remote sensing specialist do?

Geoinformatics is a term used to describe a number of different technologies, approaches and processes that deal with spatial information. It is an academic discipline that works with geo-data for a better interpretation of human interaction with the surface of the earth. Geoinformation combines various datasets, right from geographical information systems, remote sensing, and non-remote sensing for generating results or maps that allow for better interpretation, decision making, and management about human activities on the surface of the earth.

Remote sensing is an activity that involves accumulating information regarding places or objects on the earth’s surface from a distance. Specialists in this field may use satellite imagery or ‘false images’ which show how infrared, microwaves and thermal energy is reflected by the surface of the earth.

Remote sensing specialists assist scientists by designing and conducting efforts to gather remote sensing data. They select the best equipment and practices for a particular mission. The data collected from remote sensing is used in various fields, including those of environmental sciences, agriculture, archaeology, urban planning, water management, and meteorology.

As a field, remote sensing is developing by leaps and bounds and careers in this field are present in sectors such as public, private, government and academic. Remote sensing specialists can work as geographers, cartographers, computer scientists, GIS analysts, GIS consultants, remote sensing scientists, or other professionals. These positions require you to hold a master’s degree, i.e M.tech in remote sensing.

Remote sensing specialists are responsible for improving and enhancing data that companies as well as the government can use to research or improve the quality of life. The following tasks would be expected of you as a specialist:

• Read scientific and technical literature to stay updated about the field
• Prepare images, graphic reports, maps, and charts for stakeholders
• Operate remote sensing equipment to gather various data
• Ensure data obtained from remote sensing systems meets guidelines of quality
• Assist with data collection and management in occurrences of natural disasters such as floods, fires, earthquakes, and hurricanes
• Use computer modeling to gather data and test hypotheses

This is a job that is high in demand and employers seek out individuals with practical experience along with a solid educational background. Symbiosis Institute Of Geoinformatics (Sig) in Pune is one among of the few institutes that offers degrees in the field of geoinformatics. Join them to pursue a career in this developing, dynamic field.

Sukanta Singha I am a Professional Blogger and Content Writer for SIG. http://www.sig.ac.in/geoinformatics-placement http://www.sig.ac.in/mtech-in-geoinformatics