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Remote Sensing Scientist

Science

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.

ScienceData Science

What you'd do all day

The tasks that matter most in this job, most important first.

  1. 1Manage or analyze data obtained from remote sensing systems to obtain meaningful results.
  2. 2Analyze data acquired from aircraft, satellites, or ground-based platforms, using statistical analysis software, image analysis software, or Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
  3. 3Integrate other geospatial data sources into projects.
  4. 4Organize and maintain geospatial data and associated documentation.
  5. 5Compile and format image data to increase its usefulness.
  6. 6Prepare or deliver reports or presentations of geospatial project information.
  7. 7Discuss project goals, equipment requirements, or methodologies with colleagues or team members.
  8. 8Process aerial or satellite imagery to create products such as land cover maps.
  9. 9Design or implement strategies for collection, analysis, or display of geographic data.
  10. 10Develop or build databases for remote sensing or related geospatial project information.
  11. 11Collect supporting data, such as climatic or field survey data, to corroborate remote sensing data analyses.
  12. 12Monitor quality of remote sensing data collection operations to determine if procedural or equipment changes are necessary.
  13. 13Train technicians in the use of remote sensing technology.
  14. 14Set up or maintain remote sensing data collection systems.
  15. 15Direct all activity associated with implementation, operation, or enhancement of remote sensing hardware or software.
  16. 16Attend meetings or seminars or read current literature to maintain knowledge of developments in the field of remote sensing.
  17. 17Conduct research into the application or enhancement of remote sensing technology.
  18. 18Recommend new remote sensing hardware or software acquisitions.
  19. 19Use remote sensing data for forest or carbon tracking activities to assess the impact of environmental change.
  20. 20Develop automated routines to correct for the presence of image distorting artifacts, such as ground vegetation.
  21. 21Develop new analytical techniques or sensor systems.
  22. 22Participate in fieldwork.
  23. 23Apply remote sensing data or techniques, such as surface water modeling or dust cloud detection, to address environmental issues.
  24. 24Direct installation or testing of new remote sensing hardware or software.

Also known as

What this job is called on JobStreet, LinkedIn and in job ads. Search these too.

  • RPIC
  • UA Pilot
  • Scientist
  • UAS Pilot
  • UAV Pilot
  • RPAS Pilot
  • sUAS Pilot
  • Drone Pilot
  • UA Operator
  • Remote Pilot

How far is this from you?

Roughly how much preparation this job usually takes. In Malaysia your UPU route and the programme's syarat still decide entry, so treat this as a guide, not a gate.

  1. 1

    Entry straight after SPM

  2. 2

    SPM + sijil / short TVET course

  3. 3

    Diploma / TVET (sijil–diploma)

  4. Typical entry

    Degree (ijazah sarjana muda)

  5. 5

    Postgrad (sarjana / PhD) or professional route

Typical educationBachelor's degree

Subjects that matter here

The SPM subjects worth your effort for this career, with the reason for each.

GeographyDraws directly on Geography — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
Computer Science / ICTDraws directly on Computers and Electronics — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
Electrical & Electronic Eng. StudiesDraws directly on Computers and Electronics — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
Additional MathematicsDraws directly on Mathematics — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
MathematicsDraws directly on Mathematics — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).

What you'd need to know

The subject areas this job leans on most, and the SPM subjects that build them.

  • Geography97%

    Geography

  • Computers and Electronics84%

    Computer Science / ICTElectrical & Electronic Eng. Studies

  • Mathematics84%

    Additional MathematicsMathematics

  • Engineering and Technology78%

    PhysicsAdditional MathematicsDesign & Technology (RBT)

  • English Language74%

    English

  • Physics70%

    Physics

Tools you'd use

Software and equipment that show up in this job, worth learning early.

Where to learn these, free

Scholarships & funding

What the work feels like

Day-to-day working conditions, so you can tell whether the job suits how you like to work.

  • Face-to-face discussionsOften
  • Contact with other peopleContact most of the time
  • Dealing with customers or the publicA little
  • Handling conflict situationsRarely
  • Indoors, air-conditionedEvery day
  • Outdoors, in all weatherRarely
  • Noisy environmentAlmost never
  • Time spent sittingAlmost all the time

Where this job is heading

Newer tasks O*NET has flagged for this occupation, a hint at how the role is changing.

  • Develop protocols and procedures for planning and executing drone-based remote sensing missions to ensure they comply with standards and requirements.

AI and demand for this job

A few real, dated data points — not a single score. AI making some tasks faster usually means a job changes, not that it disappears.

15%

Share of everyday tasks today's AI can already help with (2023)

This estimate is from 2023 — already out of date, since AI moves fast. Treat it as a rough, aging starting point, not the current picture.

0.12%

Of Malaysian Claude conversations, about this kind of work

Measures how much people use Claude for this work, not how many Malaysians do this job — and more AI use can mean people relying on it, not that it's replacing them.

Pay in Malaysia

We don't have a sourced Malaysian salary range for this job yet, and we'd rather show nothing than a number we can't stand behind.

Where to check:

  • JobStreet and Hiredly job ads for this title
  • DOSM Salaries & Wages Survey
  • SSPA scheme tables, if you're aiming for a government post

Check what you may qualify for

Enter your SPM grades and see which routes and programmes you may qualify for. An estimate to plan with, not an offer.

Check my eligibility Not sure yet? Take the quiz

How to get here

Post-SPM pathways with programmes in this career's fields. Tap one to see real programmes and entry requirements.

Matriculation

One or two years, heavily subsidised with allowance. Competitive, quota-based entry.

12–24 months

Asasi / Foundation

One-year runway into a specific university: public via UPU or private direct entry.

12 months

Related careers

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About this information

This describes what the job involves. Pay, demand and entry routes differ in Malaysia, so check the Pathways and Programmes pages for local requirements.

O*NET occupation: Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists

Job responsibilities, knowledge areas and work context from O*NET 30.3, US Department of Labor, used under CC BY 4.0. onetcenter.org