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click HERE (605Kb) Ten
or 20 years ago, "planning your life's career" meant just that. People tended
to learn a relatively narrow set of skills and "settle in" to a professional
life with a simple career path and one or two employers. Today, this traditional
employment model still exists, but a current professional career might also involve
multiple employment relationships, participation
in a "virtual" organization, self-employment, or pursuit of many types of jobs
during one's lifetime. The bottom line in today's world is that it pays to be
educated broadly, yet skilled technically, to meet the challenges and reap the
tremendous opportunities of an information-based global economy. More and more,
this information-based global economy is becoming a geospatial information-based
economy. Such tools as aerial and satellite remote sensing imagery, the Global
Positioning System (GPS), and computerized geographic information systems (GIS)
are revolutionizing the conduct of business,
science, and government alike.
Geospatial information is increasingly becoming the driving force for decision
making across the local to global continuum. Tasks as varied as planning urban
growth, managing a forest, implementing "precision farming," assessing insurance
claims, siting an automatic teller machine, routing 911 vehicles, drilling
a well, assessing groundwater contamination, designing a cellular phone network,
guiding "intelligent" vehicles, assessing the market for manufactured goods,
managing a city, operating a utility, improving wildlife habitat, monitoring
air quality, assessing environmental impact, designing a road, studying human
health statistics, minimizing water pollution, undertaking real estate transactions,
preserving wetlands, mapping natural hazards and disasters, providing famine
relief, or studying the causes and consequences of global climate change, can
be greatly enhanced by the use of some form of geospatial technology. The pioneers,
builders, and specialists in geospatial information collection and management
are trained in such fields as photogrammetry, remote sensing, and GIS.
Photogrammetry
Photogrammetry is the tongue-twisting term for
the science and technology of obtaining reliable measurements, maps, digital
elevation models, and other GIS data primarily from aerial and space photography.
Professional photogrammetrists are responsible for all phases of mapping
projects and provide spatially accurate base maps that form a foundation
for many applications of GIS. Functions can include planning and supervising
ground and aerial surveys, interpreting and making measurements from remote
sensing imagery, designing maps and cartographic presentations, reproduction
and distribution of map products, and managing general business and organizational
aspects of photogrammetric projects.
Many
engineering disciplines also use photogrammetric data as the basis for
project planning and design. In order to serve these customers effectively,
the professional photogrammetrist must have a broad understanding of
a number of civil engineering and GIS disciplines, as well as surveying
and geodesy (the study of the true shape of the earth). Some photogrammetrists
are employed in the design and manufacturing of specialized data acquisition,
analysis, and measurement equipment.
As we move into the 21st century, the photogrammetrist
must be well versed in mapping from a variety of source data types:
conventional and digital aerial photography, satellite imagery, laser
ranging (lidar) and radar to name a few. As a provider of data to a
wide variety of users, the photogrammetrist will make professional
assessments of the spatial accuracy and integrity of these widely varied
data types and will make recommendations for the application of these
data in engineering and GIS analysis.
Remote Sensing
In a nutshell, remote sensing refers to any technique whereby information
about objects and the environment is obtained from a distance. A bat's navigation
system
is one form of remote sensing. In this case, acoustic
waves are used to "see" objects and determine their position. Remote sensing
in the context of obtaining geospatial information is based on measuring variations
in how electromagnetic waves interact with objects. The wavelengths typically
involved not only include visible light, but also near-infrared, mid-infrared,
thermal and microwave energy. Hence, remote sensing systems often permit us to
greatly expand our spectral view of the earth and "see" the world much more
clearly than we can with the unaided eye or any other
sensor restricted to visible wavelengths.
Today, an extremely broad range of remote sensing systems are used to collect
data from both aerial and spaceborne platforms. These systems include everything
from aerial cameras to earth orbiting multispectral sensors, and imaging
radar systems. Remote sensing, like photogrammetry and GIS, is a rapidly
changing field.
Three recent developments in particular are fueling great interest and activity
in the field. First, there is substantial research and development underway
in the area of hyperspectral remote sensing, which involves systems that
sense in
literally hundreds of very narrow spectral bands simultaneously. This approach
greatly increases the information and detail that can be obtained about objects
on the earth's surface. Second, a series of recently launched satellite-borne
remote sensing systems form NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS), which is
a primary component of the Earth Science Enterprise (ESE). The ESE is an
international
earth science program aimed at proving the observations, understanding, and
modeling capabilities needed to assess the impacts of both natural events
and human-induced
activities on the earth's environment (www.earth.nasa.gov/).
A third major influence on the field of remote sensing today
is the launch of commercial high-resolution earth-orbiting systems. These
systems supply data with a ground sampling distance on the order of 1 meter
(3 feet). This will permit objects of approximately one meter in length to
be identified on the earth's surface using a satellite in outer space. Most
will also be pointable, with their optical systems being controlled by ground
command. This will enable frequent observation of areas that are not directly
below the satellite and it will also allow the collection of stereoscopic
(3D) data. These high-resolution systems are expected to provide a quantum
jump in the commercial applications of remote sensing, and hence the demand
for professionals in the field. In all, some 45 new satellite remote sensing
systems are planned for launch over the next three years (www.ersc.wisc.edu/ersc/).
Remote sensing is a very broadly based field. Professionals with backgrounds
in such diverse areas as agriculture, archaeology, business, ecology, engineering,
forestry, geography, geology, range management, urban and regional planning,
water resources, wetland ecology, wildlife management, manufacturing and machine
vision, meteorology, and oceanography use the information processed from remotely
sensing data. In addition, many remote sensing scientists are involved in basic
research developing new sensor systems, other instruments, and defining new
analytical techniques. Many such people are also actively engaged in the area
of digital image processing, which is changing rapidly with major improvements
in the power of computer systems, networks, and visualization techniques.
Geographic Information Systems
Geographic
Information Systems (GIS) are computerized systems that allow the user to work
with, interrelate, and analyze virtually all forms of spatial data. Typically
a GIS consists of three major components: a database of geospatial and thematic
data and information, a capability to spatially model or analyze the data sets,
and a graphical display capability. A GIS synthesizes computer mapping and
automated cartography, spatial analysis, data modeling and database management
into a coherent unit. GIS enables the combining (overlay) and analysis of various
geographically-based data sets for use in many decision making processes that
benefit from the ability to visualize data and information in different ways.
GIS emerged as a viable technology in the early 1980s. In the 1990s, it exploded
into one of the fastest growing and most widely adopted technologies in the
information age. GIS technology also crosscuts many disciplines and applications
ranging from the medical profession to natural resource management. Likewise,
it spans a diverse group of user communities ranging from small villages to
Federal agencies. This exciting technological development integrates remotely
sensed and ground-based information into powerful decision making analytical
tools. Knowledge and experience is often desirable in one or several application
areas such as biology/ecology, resource management, facilities management,
planning, or engineering.
Geographic information systems are used to provide information and
knowledge data in various forms to help resolve complex resource
questions such as:
How does a community best use its natural resources?
What is the best location for a highway, given specific environmental,
social, and economic constraints?
What will be the effect of locating a low-level hazardous waste
disposal facility at a certain site?
What areas are likely to have the highest soil erosion?
What are the likely biological/physical impacts of global warming
or ozone depletion?
Geographic information systems are also enjoying greatly expanded application
in business_from siting retail stores, to real estate, logistics,
and marketing. Together, photogrammetry, remote sensing, and GIS
offer numerous employment opportunities throughout the private, governmental,
and academic sectors and across the globe.
Educational Background
Requirements/
Suggestions
High School - College-preparatory courses that emphasize
the sciences are suggested for individuals interested in pursuing careers
in photogrammetry, remote sensing and GIS. Examples include, but are
not limited to, mathematics (algebra, trigonometry, geometry, calculus),
biology, chemistry, physics, geography, earth science, computer programming
and applications, drafting, English, fine arts/humanities, social studies,
and foreign languages.
Community Colleges and Technical Institutions - Many
2-year academic and technical institutions offer education and training
in photogrammetry, remote sensing and GIS, and in related fields. Associate
degree and certificate programs in GIS, surveying, photogrammetry,
and similar curricula provide a sound foundation for work experience
or for transfer to other academic institutions for further education.
There is a substantial demand for technicians in geospatial information
technology, for individuals who do not wish to pursue an advanced degree.
Colleges and Universities - Majors emphasizing photogrammetry,
remote sensing and GIS are typically found in geography, geomatics
engineering, civil engineering, forestry, planning, surveying and mapping,
or various physical science programs at many colleges and universities,
and can result in earning bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.
Increasingly, colleges and universities are offering minors, certificates,
and specialized professional master's degree programs in these areas
as well. Hence, educational preparation can be targeted either toward
becoming a specialist in the field of geospatial information science
and technology or a specialist in a traditional discipline with a complementary
background in photogrammetry, remote sensing, and GIS.
Internships - It is highly recommended that any individual
wishing to pursue a career in photogrammetry, remote sensing, and GIS
participate in an internship program to obtain "hands-on" experience
as part of their preparation for employment. Such opportunities are
plentiful for those having at least introductory knowledge about geospatial
information science and technology.
Continuing Education- Like many rapidly
advancing high-tech fields, continuing education in photogrammetry,
remote sensing, and GIS is a must to keep current as a professional.
ASPRS: The Imaging & Geospatial Information Society, other professional
and scientific organizations, hardware and software providers, and
educational institutions offer programs fulfilling this need.
Photogrammetry - To qualify as a professional photogrammetrist,
you generally need a bachelor's degree, or significant work experience
combined with a two-year technical degree in disciplines such as surveying
engineering, cartography, or geodesy. While this education generally
occurs in engineering curricula, it can also be found in some geography,
forestry, or resource management programs. Photogrammetry is a professional
discipline newly recognized by the National Council of Examiners for
Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). In an increasing number of states
it is possible to attain professional status and licensure as a photogrammetric
surveyor or mapper.
Remote Sensing - A bachelor's or graduate degree is
usually required for professional status. Such fields as engineering,
physical geography, mathematics, statistics, computer science, and
the biological and physical sciences all provide good training for
remote sensing. A highly interdisciplinary education often serves as
a good foundation for professional work in this field.
GIS - Most professionals involved in the GIS field receive
an education in the earth sciences, engineering, management, or planning;
supplemented with courses in traditional and automated cartography,
mapping and remote sensing, spatial statistics, computer science, mathematics,
and GIS fundamentals and applications.
Where will I find a school that offers these courses?
For a sampling of colleges and universities offering programs in GIS,
remote sensing, or photogrammetry, see the web sites for the University
Consortium for Geographic Information Science (www.ucgis.org).
The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) evaluates
university and college degree programs in surveying, engineering and
technology, some of which include imaging and geospatial information
discipline areas. Visit their website (www.abet.org)
and go to the link on accredited programs for listings of colleges
and universities and their ASPRS-related programs. Course catalogs
for these institutions will define specific courses for these degree
programs.
As mentioned previously, careers in imaging and geospatial technology disciplines
are available in nearly all segments of the commercial, public, government,
and academic communities. Job titles and starting salaries vary with experience
and background. Geographer, cartographer, physical scientist, computer
scientist, GIS analyst, database administrator, applications specialist,
project manager, remote sensing scientist, surveyor, photogrammetrist,
and image analyst, are typical job titles. Detailed information on potential
employers in the private sector is available in the special annual issue
of Photogrammetric Engineering & Remote Sensing - Resource Book
as well as at the ASPRS web site (www.asprs.org).
The Resource Book lists names and addresses of companies who are Sustaining
Members of ASPRS, along with a description of their products and services.
State and local government agencies offer opportunities in ASPRS discipline
areas. State government activity in these disciplines are generally carried
out in agencies such as planning, environment, resources, transportation,
and geology, and are usually coordinated through state geographic information
councils. The National States Geographic Information Council (NSGIC),
which serves as the national coordinating body for these state organizations,
can be contacted through links at the NSGIC website (www.nsgic.org).
Employment opportunities in city and county government agencies often
parallel state job titles and positions and can be researched at their
respective city or county employment offices. Academic institution offerings
at the entry level are usually for graduate students at those institutions
for teaching assistant or other staff support positions, although instructor
positions become available and are widely advertised. World Wide Web
searches keyed on locality names and employment yield connections to
these opportunities.
Many U.S. government agencies, such as the U.S. Geological
Survey (USGS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), National Imagery
and Mapping Agency (NIMA), and U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM),
offer Federal employment opportunities in related fields. Job announcements
and general descriptions of Federal employment opportunities and salary
ranges can be found at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's (OPM)
website (www.usajobs.opm.gov).
With the increased use of computers in imaging and geospatial technology
careers, most jobs are in an office environment. However, certain careers
may require extensive field work to verify results or to acquire data
in the outdoors. In addition, imaging and geospatial technology disciplines
are finding their way into many other applications and careers that are
not traditionally associated with photogrammetry, remote sensing, and
GIS. For example, photogrammetry is being used in biomedical research,
GIS is finding broader use in real estate development, and remote sensing/image
processing are being used in law enforcement. Therefore, job titles,
alone, are not necessarily the best indication of career opportunities
utilizing imaging and geospatial technology.
An increasing number of graduates are utilizing GIS in private firms,
in environmental management, planning, and other businesses that require
spatial analysis. The rise of many more commercial remote sensing firms
also is a good opportunity for people with training in geospatial fields.
With a bachelor's degree, an employee can expect to obtain an entry-level
position working as part of a larger group. With experience, employees
can expect to be given more complex responsibilities and will begin to
manage larger projects. Those with master's degrees are often expected
to assume considerable responsibility as soon as they are hired, including
their own projects to manage. In some smaller organizations, employees
may be expected to design and implement new imaging and geospatial information
procedures and systems. Again, substantial demand exists for technicians
in this area to support such activities.
For those who earn a doctoral degree (PhD), you could expect to find
employment in a university or as a research scientist. The rapid growth
of GIS programs at the university level has resulted in a growing market
for PhD graduates. There is also a high demand for such individuals with
consulting firms, software development firms, and scientific laboratories.
Those employers expect you to make significant new contributions to the
advancement of current technology, develop new ways to analyze information,
or contribute to scientific research, theory, and discoveries
Career Goals
Many things lead to a fulfilling career. Monetary reward, ongoing technical
challenge, opportunity for advancement, employment flexibility, the development
of a local to global perspective, and the satisfaction of truly making
a difference all characterize careers in this field. Geospatial information
science and technology can provide many commercial, scientific, and social
benefits in a broad range of settings. That's why we like to say that
when you enter this career area, you not only shape your future, but the future.
ASPRS: The Imaging & Geospatial Information Society
ASPRS is
a membership society that represents the interests of individuals and companies
in the field of imaging and geospatial information. The mission of ASPRS is to
advance knowledge and improve understanding of geospatial information science
and technology and to promote the responsible application of photogrammetry,
remote sensing, geographic information systems, and
supporting technologies.
Geospatial information answers the questions who, what, when, and primarily
where. ASPRS is committed to providing the highest quality spatial information
to all people for effective decision making and better understanding to improve
their quality of life.
Founded in 1934, ASPRS has given increasing service to the scientific, user
communities, and the nation through development of the art and science of photogrammetry,
remote sensing and geographic information systems.
Scope of Society Interest
The core technologies represented by ASPRS are photogrammetry, remote sensing,
and geographic information systems (GIS). Supporting technologies include,
but are not limited to, cartography, spatial positioning, image processing,
and photo interpretation.
The Society's integration of core and supporting technologies to real-world
applications are currently concentrated in the areas of mapping, environmental
and natural resources, modeling, simulation, visualization, close-range imaging,
and sociocultural applications. The Society advances responsible practice through
its professional certification program, continuing education and workshops,
publications, standards, and venues for social and career networking.
To find out more about ASPRS and to become a member, visit our web site at http://www.asprs.org.
Photo Credits
This
image is a comparison of Landsat Thematic Mapper data on the right and
a multipolarization, multifrequency Shuttle Imaging Radar-C (SIR-C) image
on the left. The image is of Death Valley National Park, California,
USA. Provided by Reasearch Systems, Inc.
This
image was generated from NASA's Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS),
and illustrates the October mean total ozone from 1979-1994 and 1996.
Provided by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.
This
image is a color infrared digital orthophoto quadrangle (DOQ) image of
Imperial Beach, California and Tijuana, Mexico. Provided by the U.S.
Geological Survey (USGS).
This
image shows a portion of a 30-meter resolution land-cover data. The primary
data source is Landsat thematic mapper (TM). Provided by USGS EROS Data
Center.
This
image shows an Earth-orbiting satellite carrying remote sensing devices
used to acquire, store, and transmit digital images of the Earth's surface.
Provided by NASA.
AVIRIS
and AIRSAR data acquired by Jet Propulsion Laboratory, processed by Analytical
Imaging and Geophysics, Boulder, Colorado using ENVI ®,
the "Environment for Visualizing Images" as part of a Multi-Mode Image
Fusion study sponsored by Eastman Kodak Company. Image provided by Research
Systems, Inc.
This
image is a computer rendered perspective view of a digital elevation
model, a computer file of regularly-spaced points of elevation on the
Earth's surface. Provided by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
This
image depicts data points on contours (lines of equal elevation on the
Earth's surface) in a digital elevation data set. Provided by the U.S.
Geological Survey (USGS).
This
image is a GSD natural color collection of the City of Cincinnati taken
by Litton/TASC's Emerge Digital Airborne Sensor System.
Terrain
features above a specific elevation are shown in shades of green to indicate
changes in elevation and slope. This data is merged with a blue-tinted
digital orthophoto (a digital photographic image with the characteristics
of a map) to show details in areas below that elevation that are subject
to flooding. Provided by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
This
image is a rendering of 224-band Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer
(AVIRIS) hyperspectral data acquired by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory
in the northwest corner of Yellowstone National Park. Provided by Research
Systems, Inc.
Ten
or 20 years ago, "planning your life's career" meant just that. People tended
to learn a relatively narrow set of skills and "settle in" to a professional
life with a simple career path and one or two employers. Today, this traditional
employment model still exists, but a current professional career might also involve
multiple employment relationships, participation
in a "virtual" organization, self-employment, or pursuit of many types of jobs
during one's lifetime. The bottom line in today's world is that it pays to be
educated broadly, yet skilled technically, to meet the challenges and reap the
tremendous opportunities of an information-based global economy. More and more,
this information-based global economy is becoming a geospatial information-based
economy. Such tools as aerial and satellite remote sensing imagery, the Global
Positioning System (GPS), and computerized geographic information systems (GIS)
are revolutionizing the conduct of business,
science, and government alike.
Many
engineering disciplines also use photogrammetric data as the basis for
project planning and design. In order to serve these customers effectively,
the professional photogrammetrist must have a broad understanding of
a number of civil engineering and GIS disciplines, as well as surveying
and geodesy (the study of the true shape of the earth). Some photogrammetrists
are employed in the design and manufacturing of specialized data acquisition,
analysis, and measurement equipment.
Today, an extremely broad range of remote sensing systems are used to collect
data from both aerial and spaceborne platforms. These systems include everything
from aerial cameras to earth orbiting multispectral sensors, and imaging
radar systems. Remote sensing, like photogrammetry and GIS, is a rapidly
changing field.
Three recent developments in particular are fueling great interest and activity
in the field. First, there is substantial research and development underway
in the area of hyperspectral remote sensing, which involves systems that
sense in
literally hundreds of very narrow spectral bands simultaneously. This approach
greatly increases the information and detail that can be obtained about objects
on the earth's surface. Second, a series of recently launched satellite-borne
remote sensing systems form NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS), which is
a primary component of the Earth Science Enterprise (ESE). The ESE is an
international
earth science program aimed at proving the observations, understanding, and
modeling capabilities needed to assess the impacts of both natural events
and human-induced
activities on the earth's environment (
Geographic
Information Systems (GIS) are computerized systems that allow the user to work
with, interrelate, and analyze virtually all forms of spatial data. Typically
a GIS consists of three major components: a database of geospatial and thematic
data and information, a capability to spatially model or analyze the data sets,
and a graphical display capability. A GIS synthesizes computer mapping and
automated cartography, spatial analysis, data modeling and database management
into a coherent unit. GIS enables the combining (overlay) and analysis of various
geographically-based data sets for use in many decision making processes that
benefit from the ability to visualize data and information in different ways. 
Biology 
ASPRS is
a membership society that represents the interests of individuals and companies
in the field of imaging and geospatial information. The mission of ASPRS is to
advance knowledge and improve understanding of geospatial information science
and technology and to promote the responsible application of photogrammetry,
remote sensing, geographic information systems, and
supporting technologies.
This
image is a comparison of Landsat Thematic Mapper data on the right and
a multipolarization, multifrequency Shuttle Imaging Radar-C (SIR-C) image
on the left. The image is of Death Valley National Park, California,
USA. Provided by Reasearch Systems, Inc.
This
image was generated from NASA's Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS),
and illustrates the October mean total ozone from 1979-1994 and 1996.
Provided by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.
This
image is a color infrared digital orthophoto quadrangle (DOQ) image of
Imperial Beach, California and Tijuana, Mexico. Provided by the U.S.
Geological Survey (USGS).
This
image shows a portion of a 30-meter resolution land-cover data. The primary
data source is Landsat thematic mapper (TM). Provided by USGS EROS Data
Center.
AVIRIS
and AIRSAR data acquired by Jet Propulsion Laboratory, processed by Analytical
Imaging and Geophysics, Boulder, Colorado using ENVI ®,
the "Environment for Visualizing Images" as part of a Multi-Mode Image
Fusion study sponsored by Eastman Kodak Company. Image provided by Research
Systems, Inc.
This
image depicts data points on contours (lines of equal elevation on the
Earth's surface) in a digital elevation data set. Provided by the U.S.
Geological Survey (USGS).
Terrain
features above a specific elevation are shown in shades of green to indicate
changes in elevation and slope. This data is merged with a blue-tinted
digital orthophoto (a digital photographic image with the characteristics
of a map) to show details in areas below that elevation that are subject
to flooding. Provided by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).