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A
Job To Love
Imagine using satellite images to build
a 3-D map of the area around the magnetic
north pole. First, you create a mathematical
model to combine the images. Then you
update the map with new images of the
ice as it melts, shifts, and changes.
Search-and-rescue teams have used your
map because it shows where the ice has
formed ridges and is impassable. Your
map is also used by climate change specialists
to track changes in the polar ice. The
brightest areas on your maps show where
the ice is thickest. The darkest areas
on your maps show where light has been
absorbed by very thin and slushy ice.
Everyday, your work is like a big, evolving
puzzle.
Remote
sensing technologists
build maps using satellite and infrared
images to help scientists monitor the
Earth and our impact on it. They work
mostly indoors, both on their own and
as part of a team. Many remote sensing
specialists live in their home communities.
Aboriginal remote sensing specialists
build maps of our natural environment
so that we can manage our environmental
impact and monitor changes.
This
job can be fascinating, but some of
the work is monotonous. As a remote
sensing technologist, you might find
yourself bound to your desk. There's
a lot of data entry, and the databases
you create need to be error-free. This
means checking and rechecking your work.
Eyestrain, wrist, neck, and back problems
can result from spending long hours
in front of a computer. Then again,
you may be the type of person who enjoys
a challenge like remote sensing technology.
Job
Description
Remote sensing technologists use aerial
photos, imaging radar, digital image
analysis, and Global Information Systems
(GIS) to study the Earth's surface—without
ever needing to visit the location they
study. For example, a remote sensing
specialist might interpret images to
understand how a forest fire is moving
and whether a nearby community will
need to be evacuated. Remote sensing
specialists work for natural resources
companies, forestry consulting firms,
other consulting firms, environmental
organizations, and the government.
Job
Duties
- Prepare
images, graphic reports, maps, and
charts
- Build
photo mosaics of large areas like
cities and parks
- Operate
remote sensing equipment to gather
airborne, ground-based, and satellite
data
- Make
sure the data obtained from remote
sensing systems are accurate
- Assist
with the management of natural disasters
such as floods, fires, earthquakes,
oil spills, and hurricanes
Fact
In the summer, when a chemical compound
in leaves (called chlorophyll) is
at its highest levels, we see green
leaves. This is because chlorophyll
reflects radiation in the green wavelengths
of light. In the fall, when there
is less chlorophyll, leaves absorb
more of the green wavelengths and
reflect more of the red wavelength.
That is why leaves appear to be red
or yellow. Remote sensing technology
collects the reflected radiation to
create images from satellites.
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High
school courses that will prepare you
for this job include math, computers,
social sciences, physics, and geography.
Aboriginal studies, history, and languages
will prepare you for working in a multi-cultural
setting. Talk to your career or academic
counsellor about options such as graphic
design, statistics, drafting, blueprint
reading and sciences.
The
minimum education requirement for
a remote sensing technologist is a
college certificate or diploma in
GIS or remote sensing. A university
degree in earth sciences, geography,
geology, natural resources or a related
technology can add value to the above
certificate and make you more competitive
in the job market. You'll find it
easier to get a job and negotiate
your salary.
Before
finding a job, remote sensing technologists
might require training in:
- Compassing
- Global
Positioning Systems (GPS) use
- Orienteering
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Remote
sensing technologists with a college
diploma make an average of $34,000.00
per year.
Remote sensing technologists with
a university degree make an average
of $48,000.00 per year.
Remote sensing technologists with
several years of experience and education
make an average of $62,000.00 per
year.
Financial Assistance
In addition to the general scholarship
tips listed in the BUILD MY CAREER
section, the following award is specific
to remote sensing technologists:
Canadian Aeronautics and Space
Institute
Two scholarships of varying amounts
are awarded to students in Canada
who will be graduating in the calendar
year.
Contact: Canadian Aeronautics and
Space Institute
1685 Russell Road, Unit 1R
Ottawa, ON
K1G 0N1
Telephone: (613) 234-0191
Fax: (613) 234-9039
email: casi@casi.ca
website: www.casi.ca
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Some
of the best knowledge you'll gain
for this job will come from listening
to the stories and wisdom of your
relations. Ask your Elders how they
have seen natural disasters affect
land, water, and natural resources.
Join your family on snowmobile and
camping trips. The time you spend
outdoors will make your studies easier
and your experience with the natural
world will appeal to employers.
Relate
to people in similar jobs:
- Climate
change specialist
- Meteorologist
Relate
and interact with remote sensing technologists.
Ask them what they like about their
jobs, and how you should get started.
Canadian Centre for Remote Sensing
588 Booth Street
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0Y7
Telephone: (613) 947-1216
email: info@ccrs.nrcan.gc.ca
website: www.ccrs.nrcan.gc.ca
Canadian
Remote Sensing Society/ Société
canadienne de télédétection
1685 Russell Road, Unit 1R
Ottawa, ON
K1G 0N1
Telephone: (613) 234-0191
Fax: (613) 234-9039
email: casi@casi.ca
website: www.casi.ca
The
Canadian Institute of Geomatics/Association
canadianne des sciences géomatiques
1930 Prince of Wales Drive, Suite
400
Ottawa, ON
K2C 3N6
Telephone: (613) 224-9851
Fax: (613) 224-9577
email: admincig@magma.ca
website: www.cig-acsg.ca
Relate to other students. There are
Aboriginal student associations and
resource centres at most colleges
and universities. Visit these centres
to find out what they have to offer.
Also, look into community, friendship,
and multi-cultural centres.
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