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Have you ever been interested in the sophisticated images that are recorded by satellites above the Earth's surface? Have you ever wondered what insights can be gained with these instruments?
Then remote sensing could be just the thing for you! Remote Sensing is at the interface between technology and geosciences and uses satellites and sensors, both in the air and on the ground, to collect data about the Earth.
Technically speaking, remote sensing is the discipline of measuring the physical properties of an object using the radiation reflected and emitted by a satellite. Simply put: This discipline enables scientists to remotely “sense” physical things in our world. Remote sensing applications range from sonar systems to create images of the ocean to tracking clouds to weather forecasts, and more.
This article is intended to be your introduction to the world of remote sensing and the diverse career opportunities it offers us. This includes, for example, monitoring deforestation, assisting with archaeological discoveries or predicting natural disasters.
If remote sensing is your passion, you can use this article as a guide to embark on a career path in this fascinating area of remote observation of the Earth!
Remote sensing is primarily about collecting data about the Earth's surface and atmosphere from afar and transforming it into important information that helps with decision-making processes. This first step of data collection is carried out using a variety of instruments and technologies which are not limited to satellites, such as drones, radar, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging).
This data can be available either in the form of images, spectral measurements, or other measurements. Data analysis to obtain meaningful information is carried out using programming languages such as Python, to automate data processing.
A remote sensing specialist is therefore someone with a wide range of tasks, from data collection and processing to analysis and interpretation. They support scientists by taking the lead in planning and implementing data collection.
This includes tasks such as identifying the best techniques, drawing up plans, completing and testing equipment, the determination of the spectral band, the configuration of the sensors and other details. Remote sensing specialists are employed in various areas such as environmental science, urban planning, geology, agriculture, archeology, etc.
Some of the typical job titles in this job include:
Photogrammetry is the science of Capture physical information and reliable measurements from 2D photos, often taken by drones. Depending on the subject area, photogrammetry can also include measurements using multispectral images such as electromagnetic radiation energy.
Photogrammetry achieves these results by superimposing images of the same object/area from different perspectives and angles, to obtain important 3D details such as surface curvature, etc. This area is primarily used by engineers, archaeologists, surveyors, mapping experts, etc., who use cameras with photogrammetry kits that make it easy to create 3D models.
That, of course, begs the question: What tools are used to create these 3D measurements? The answer is photogrammetry software. Photogrammetry software is a tool for carrying out photogrammetric measurements — from loading photos to taking accurate measurements.
To get an overview of photogrammetry software, you have to answer critical questions about your requirements and expectations. Do you want a free software? Is your focus on aerial photos? Are you an absolute beginner? Based on your answers, the market gives you great photogrammetry software options, including Agisoft Metashape, MicMac, 3DF Zephyr Free, etc.
Satellite geodesy is another area of science which is concerned with understanding and measuring the shape, size and gravitational field of the Earth as well as the changes in these properties over time. Satellite geodesy is different from geodesy because satellite geodesy uses artificial satellites to measure and collect data.
Due to the high accuracy of these measurements and the increasing speed of the process, satellite geodesy is used in many disciplines, from geophysics to oceanography to geoinformatics, navigation, surveying and mapping.
A geographical information system, or GIS is one of the most popular subgroups of geoinformatics. It is a computer system which is used to collect, manage, store, analyze, and display geographic information, such as visualization on a map. Remote sensing, on the other hand, involves the collection and analysis of data by devices such as satellites, LiDAR, etc., which are located high above the Earth's surface.
Although the similarities between the two areas are due to the collection, management, and analysis of geographical data, there are some differences between them. First, GIS is a computer system with software and hardware for collecting and analyzing data, while remote sensing is a technique of surveying and data collection.
Second, remote sensing often involves collecting complex data using satellites, which are then analyzed in a GIS system. Finally, as far as data management capacity is concerned, the GIS is designed to work with huge amounts of complex data at any time while remote sensing focuses on collecting or analyzing data about a specific study area.
Astronomy is another area of science that often comes up in discussion when it comes to the atmosphere around the Earth and beyond. While remote sensing is Earth-based and focuses on measuring Earth's characteristics, environment, and natural resources, Astronomy deals with the study of celestial objects and phenomena beyond the Earth's surface in the universe.
The instruments used to collect and evaluate data also differ. While remote sensing uses sensors on satellites, airplanes, drones, etc. to collect data, astronomers use telescopes and observatories. The data collected through remote sensing primarily involves electromagnetic radiation, from microwaves to ultraviolet radiation, which is emitted or reflected by objects.
In astronomy, too, the data includes electromagnetic radiation, but the spectrum also covers radio waves, visible light, X-rays and even gamma rays. Finally, remote sensing is used in disaster management, urban planning, environmental monitoring, etc. and astronomy focuses on basic scientific research to better understand our cosmos beyond Earth.
Remote Sensing is a growing area with extensive specific applications in various areas, from natural resource management to homeland security, and it is in high demand! While highly specialized organizations such as the military are looking for remote sensing specialists, most jobs require a combination of remote sensing and GIS, as well as other skills such as AI, machine learning, and geoinformatics.
As more and more industries use the power of remote sensing to capture data points with greater accuracy, Remote sensing skills are becoming an important qualification for the labor market. The exact job varies depending on the industry, but typical job titles for people with remote sensing experience include:
The typical tasks and responsibilities for these job titles Are as follows
If you are currently applying for jobs and one of these job titles or tasks arouses your interest, Then you should highlight the following aspects of your profile:
Of course, none of these lists is exhaustive and should only give you a clue if you want to assess your skills for a specific remote sensing position.
As mentioned earlier, photogrammetrists collect, measure, and analyze geographical information to create maps and charts. The profession is best practised in a mixed form - While most of the time is spent in the office, some projects require regular trips to mapping sites.
Most jobs seeking photogrammetry students require a degree in cartography, geography, surveying, or geoinformatics or in another related field. About the typical tasks of photogrammetrists This includes managing construction planning projects, analyzing LIDAR data, creating planimetric maps from LIDAR data, constructing and reconstructing photogrammetric 3D models, carrying out quality controls and quality assurance, etc.
One of the biggest technological breakthroughs of recent times is drone technology (Unnamed Aerial Vehicle, UAV). Drones are used everywhere and for everything — from surveillance to photography to delivery and more. Of course, drones are used in all industries, from tourism to film and sports to remote sensing.
Drone remote sensing technology has found a particular niche in remote sensing because drones operate at lower altitudes and are therefore less susceptible to rain and clouds. In contrast to satellites, drones can also carry out multiple flights in a short period of time to collect more data. This is why drones can focus on micro-targets such as vehicles and collect aerial images and video data.
If that sounds exciting, you should take a look at the remote sensing jobs with drones mentioned in the descriptions. In general, jobs as a drone operator and drone pilot have become very popular in the remote sensing industry. These jobs often require a background in electrical engineering, electronics, mechanical engineering, or other related fields, as well as experience operating and maintaining commercial drones typical of the industry.
Some Experience in troubleshooting and repairing devices as well as a driver's license are also desirable.
The tasks of drone pilots partially overlap However, the requirements for a drone driver's license differ.
In order to work as a drone pilot, applicants must Complete the required online training, pass a pilot examination and obtain a valid remote controller certificate of competence. Since 2021, a drone license has been required in the EU for flying a drone weighing more than 500 grams. Depending on their weight and flight path, pilots in the EU must obtain the corresponding EU certificate of competence from A1, A2 or A3.
The professional field of remote sensing is experiencing just as dynamic growth in the DACH region, which consists of Germany, Austria and Switzerland, as it is on a global level. As the focus is on innovation and improving existing technologies, There is a boom in remote sensing companies in the region, which is leading to strong demand for remote sensing specialists.
That is why we have listed some of the best remote sensing companies in the DACH region here, so that you can familiarise yourself with their work and find a job that suits your needs.
Let's go!
Airbus is a European multinational aerospace company that primarily manufactures commercial aircraft, but also has its own defense, space and helicopter divisions. The aim of Airbus Defence is to develop collaborative solutions that ensure the development of top-level combat systems on land, in the air, at sea, in space and in cyberspace.
Among other things, Airbus is the main contractor for the European Future Combat Air System (FCAS), a network of manned and unmanned platforms including airplanes, drones, satellites, and more.
Airbus usually offers jobs in the areas of industrial operations, digital transformation, software development and manufacturing, customer service and value management.
Aerial Image Environmental Planning (LUP) is a leading service provider on the subject of the environment, from environmental management and landscape planning to remote sensing, geoinformatics and geodata infrastructures. LUP is an interdisciplinary team of ecologists, planners, engineers, computer scientists and geographers, which has already successfully completed over 400 projects, primarily for federal, state and local governments in Germany.
LUP is headquartered in Brandenburg and usually offers Jobs in the areas of geodata management, climate and landscape planning, land management, etc.
Esri Germany is an industry leader and technology provider with the vision to promote science, sustainability, education, and research using location intelligence and GIS. Esri is the inventor of the cloud-based online map and analytics solution ArcGIS, which offers unique opportunities to apply location-based analytics to business practices. Esri's areas of focus include artificial intelligence, smart cities and regions, smart environments, infrastructure, and public safety.
Esri has several offices throughout Germany and offers offers jobs in a wide range of areas, including engineering and construction, GIS services, data analysis, business development, telecommunications, etc.
Sentinel Hub is an Austria-based company that offers solutions in the following three niches: Data solutions tailored for Earth observation data products, customer support, and customer-facing applications. The solutions are tailored to customer needs and range from visualizations to Python packages, applications, and more.
Sentinel Hub is headquartered in Graz, Austria, and is always open to unsolicited applications from remote engineers, full-stack developers, and related professionals.
Airborne Technologies is a one-stop shop for airborne geodata collection and airborne monitoring. The company's areas of expertise include mission solutions for fixed and rotorcraft and UAVs for customerswho are active in search and rescue, aerial surveying, maritime and reconnaissance, surveillance, and more.
Airborne Technologies has developed a software package called Airborne LINX, which combines all of an aircraft's complex equipment into an integrated and connected unit. Depending on the customer's requirements, Airborne Technologies performs all tasks from development, design, production, installation, testing and certification.
Kim is a geoservice provider that supports its customers by consulting, planning, designing and implementing mapping solutions. Kim has the vision to offer his customers the best photogrammetric mapping and use the best unmanned platforms and sensor technologies on the market.
The company offers a wide range of platforms (UAS with fixed wings, satellites, etc.), sensors (air and ground systems, integrated solutions) and products and services for remote sensing, GIS, mapping and modeling.
The Society of Swiss Earth Observation Service Providers (SED) is a network of Swiss companies namely EBP, MFB GEO-Consulting, Gamma Remote Sensing and Sarmap, which offer Earth observation services. Headquartered in Zurich, the company sees itself as a platform for the entire value chain for satellite-based earth observation data.
His services include consulting, procurement and quality analysis, processing and analysis of EO data, Integration of remote sensing data into GIS as well as animation and 3D visualization.
BSF Swissphoto is a German-Swiss company that offers aerial image data collection and consulting services for the geodata industry. BSF Swissphoto offers a complex and comprehensive portfolio of geodata services, such as aerial laser scanning, powerline mapping, building information modelling and more. BSF Swissphoto offers various products, such as digital orthophotos, real orthophotos, surface and terrain models, 3D city models, etc.
The company serves both the national and international markets and has further branches in Norway, Colombia and Croatia. Typical job offers include geoinformatics specialists, sensor operators, drone pilots and IT technicians, just to name a few.
GeoIDEE, based in Zurich, Switzerland, is a company that offers innovative solutions in the field of geoinformatics, with a focus on prototype development, software development, photogrammetry and remote sensing. Her specialty is process automation and data processing using the latest and most reliable methods of programming and data modelling.
About GeoIDEE's most important customers include engineering firms, transport companies, federal offices, universities and many more. GeoIDEE maintains a network of thematic specialists and industry leaders to support its innovative solutions to various customer problems.
If remote sensing appeals to you as a job, There are various study options to make your dream come true, both at bachelor and master level.
Many universities all over the world offer specialized remote sensing courses often in conjunction with GIS courses such as surveying/cartography or geomatics. Remote Sensing is also offered as an independent subject in various science courses such as agriculture, zoology, geology, etc.
In Germany, remote sensing specializations are often offered at master level as Master of Science or Master of Engineering. German universities offer master's degree programs in remote sensing and geomatics, geoinformation, Earth system data science, visualization, geodesy, geodata science, photogrammetry and more less frequently than individual courses of study.
These courses are structured to help students develop an advanced understanding of remote sensing and related disciplines, both in theory and practice. The courses deepen the scientific principles of physics, chemistry and biology, the collection of remote sensing data and their interaction with the environment. Finally, students are introduced to methods and tools for data collection, processing, analysis and visualization and prepared to solve important challenges in the world of geoinformatics using data.
The qualification requirements for these courses are often a bachelor's degree in geosciences or a related subject, and most universities require both German and English language skills. Some of the best remote sensing programs can be found at the University of Potsdam, the University of Leipzig and the Technical University of Berlin.
The short answer is yes! Remote Sensing is a highly application-oriented field. A Master of Science or a Master of Engineering helps you not only identify or define scientific problems but also to create data solutions using special software that use the possibilities of remote sensing quickly and efficiently.
As we've discussed in detail, There are numerous career opportunities in research, academia, public administration, the IT sector and much more.
We believe that a postgraduate degree in remote sensing is generally a good idea! Whether you should get a doctorate after completing your master's degree, However, it depends entirely on your expectations and needs.
If you're looking for an academic career or teaching, it might be a good idea to earn a doctorate as it gives you a competitive advantage over others. However, if you want to enter the industry as a competitive candidate, A master's degree can also be enough to get a foot in the door.
You should opt for a remote sensing doctoral program based on meet your personal goals, the requirements and offers of the respective degree program and overall profitability.
In the following we have listed the salaries for jobs in remote sensing and related areas.
The average salary of a remote sensing specialist is €52,800 and can reach a peak of up to 75,000€.
photogrammetry students have a starting salary of around 32,000€ This usually rises to 67,000€ with increasing experience.
drone pilots have an average salary of around 37,000€ which amounts to up to 56,000€ at the top end.
The average salary of a geoinformatician is 34,600€ and can reach a peak of up to 55,000€. The salaries of geoinformatics specialists in the public sector are generally higher.
Remote sensing is a field of science that uses satellites and other devices to collect data about the Earth's surface, atmosphere, and other physical properties. In the DACH room There are several competent study programs for remote sensing that are linked to other related subjects such as GIS, geodesy and data science and impart application-oriented skills.
The career prospects in remote sensing are huge with applications in various industries such as government, agriculture, urban planning, archeology, and forestry, and many others.
Go to GoGeoGo now and find your dream job in the field of remote sensing!
Which instruments are usually used in remote sensing?
Remote Sensing Specialists use satellites, LiDAR systems, multispectral cameras, drones, ground-based sensors and airplanes, to collect data about the Earth.
What are the key challenges that remote sensing specialists face when it comes to data collection and processing?
Depending on the tool used for remote sensing, atmospheric disturbances (such as clouds) may be a problem. To extract meaningful information from the collected data, Sophisticated algorithms and data calibration are also required, which often encounter problems that need to be resolved.
What is the role of machine learning in analyzing remote sensing data?
Machine learning (ML) is one of the latest technological developments in remote sensing and is used for object recognition and classification, automatic feature recognition, and more to increase efficiency and accuracy and automate larger processes.
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