Remote Sensing

What can I do with a major in Remote Sensing

Remote sensing involves gathering information about objects without being in direct contact with the object. The information gathered comes from a wide variety of sensor types such as Earth observation satellites, airborne imagers, hyperspectral ground-based spectroradiometers and distributed sensor networks. This rapidly growing, technologically driven science allows scientists to make detailed observations, measurements, and models of the world we live in and impacts on the environment.

The Departments of Geography and Physics & Astronomy offer a major in Remote Sensing for the Bachelor of Science degree program. Remote Sensing students will study Geography, Environmental Science and Physics, as well as other topics focused on field studies. Students will learn to record and interpret images using highly specialized instruments, some of which are unique to the Remote Sensing program at the U of L.

Students interested in Remote Sensing can complete:

  • Bachelor of Science (Remote Sensing)

The combined degrees leverage synergies with other Bachelor programs and open up additional career opportunities.

Program Planning Guides

Skills

  • Communication
  • Critical & Analytical Problem Solving
  • Research & Information Management
  • Fieldwork & Risk Assessment Techniques
  • In-depth Knowledge of Environmental & Social Issues
  • Ability to Summarize Research Findings
  • Knowledge of Geography & Mapping
  • Patient & Methodical Approach to Work
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
  • Mathematics
  • Technical Proficiency
  • Innovative
  • Work Independently
  • Teamwork

Work Environment

Employment in Remote Sensing has an exceptionally bright outlook. As a graduate in this emerging field, your skills will be in demand across a wide range of sectors -from corporate energy giants to specialized government departments. Graduates may find employment with geospatial technology companies, survey firms, mapping companies, aerospace engineering firms, positioning and navigation businesses, building or defense contractors, petroleum and energy producers, mining corporations, remote sensing companies, spaces agencies, geographical information companies, computer graphics businesses, public utilities or government departments.

Key Areas of Specialization:

  • Radiometric/Atmospheric Correction
  • Phenomenology and Algorithms
  • Measurements & Experiments
  • Automated Production Chains
  • Calibration/Validation
  • Data Preprocessing
  • Spectral Target Characterization
  • Information Extraction

Career Possibilities

These jobs are normally intended for new graduates and require 0 to 2 years of experience. It is important to note that many entry level positions require some related experience or demonstrated ability to perform job-related tasks. Even those positions that do not require experience will still prefer an experienced candidate if one is available.

  • Cartographic Aide
  • Controls Technician
  • Data Analyst/Technician
  • Document Control Specialist
  • Entry Level Remote Sensing Scientist
  • Environmental Technician
  • Field Service Technician
  • GIS Technician
  • Junior Electronics Technician
  • Land Surveyor/Articling Student
  • Materials Property Specialist
  • Research Technician
  • Seasonal Remote Sensing Office Technician

These jobs generally require extensive, relevant work experience and/or further education.

  • Application Developer
  • Cartographic Technologist
  • Coastal Erosion Analyst
  • Coastal Scientist
  • Construction Materials Technician
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Forest Systems Analyst
  • Geo-Spatial Data Services Manager
  • Geodetic Surveyor
  • Geographer
  • Geomatics Engineer
  • Geomatics/Mapping Technologist
  • GIS Officer (Remote Sensing Specialist)
  • Information Security Officer
  • Inventory Analyst
  • Lab Engineering Technician
  • Land Surveyor
  • Marine Earth Observation Scientist
  • Photogrammetric & Remote Sensing Specialist
  • Photogrammetric Specialist
  • Production Manager
  • Project Assistant/ Coordinator
  • Remote Sensing Technologist
  • Research Technician
  • Sales Director –Geospatial Equipment
  • Sales Representative –Surveying Services
  • Survey CAD Technician
  • Surveying Assistant/ Consultant
  • Technical Drafter
  • Technical Writer
  • University Professor

On average, people change their careers three to five times in their lifetime. So, no matter what major you choose, you may still be interested in opportunities totally unrelated to your program of study. We encourage you to be open to all possibilities! Your undergraduate degree can be a springboard for other educational pursuits, and your transferable skills and experience can prepare you to work in a multitude of settings.

  • Application Engineer
  • Biologist
  • Cartographer
  • Civil Engineer
  • Control System Specialist
  • Drafter
  • Environmental Engineer
  • Freelance Specialist Editor
  • Geologist
  • GIS Developer
  • GIS Technician/Specialist
  • Human Resources Advisor
  • Hydrographer
  • Maintenance Technician
  • Oil & Gas Sales Executive
  • Project Manager
  • Quality Assurance Engineer
  • Records Administrator

Useful Resources


Add Value to Your Degree

The more you do to differentiate yourself, the more likely you are to succeed in building a fulfilling career path for yourself. It takes more than just attending classes to stand out amongst other students and new graduates. Become an explorer! Try new things, challenge yourself, build unique skills, and connect with diverse people.

Use the ideas listed below to help you brainstorm experiences to add value to your degree. For more ideas on experiential opportunities at the University of Lethbridge, view the Student Experience Transcript.

Making connections with others is one of the best ways to learn about the world of work and gain access to career-building opportunities. Making meaningful connections with people is often called building a network. Building these connections can give you access to jobs before they are posted, or to jobs that are not publicly posted. Employers like to hire people they have already built relationships with, and are more likely to hire people who have been recommended by trusted colleagues and friends.

Start building your network by attending Career Fairs and other on-campus recruitment events found on the Career Services Events page within the Career Bridge portal. Get introduced to career professionals in a welcoming and approachable way through uLethbridge Connect at Ten Thousand Coffees. Consider joining a professional association to help you find opportunities to meet experienced professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.

d professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.

Co-operative Education allows you to earn income through real-world work experience that is related to your academic studies. Completing a co-op work term provides you with an opportunity to build your skills in a practical work setting, network with employers, and increase your marketability after graduation.

Co-operative education is available to undergraduate and graduate-level students within a variety of programs in the Faculty of Arts & Science, Dhillon School of Business, Faculty of Fine Arts, and Faculty of Health Sciences. Learn more about eligibility requirements and how co-op works here.

The Applied Studies program offers you the opportunity to earn academic credit for learning gained through employment or volunteer experiences. Placements provide skill development and experiential learning related to your studies by integrating principles learned in the classroom with practical situations encountered on the job.

Participating in clubs and running for student government are great ways to build employability skills, learn how to work with others, and demonstrate your leadership abilities.

The University of Lethbridge Students’ Union is committed to building a rewarding and enriching experience for undergraduate students. They have positions for Executive Council members and General Assembly members, as well as an extensive list of ratified clubs, offering opportunities to get involved in areas of interest and in leadership positions.

The Graduate Students’ Association’s mandate is to identify and advocate for graduate student needs. They have GSA Executive positions, GSA Council positions, and a mentorship program for incoming students.

The University of Lethbridge provides many different opportunities to gain research experience in addition to the required courses in your degree program.

An independent study is a chance for you to design your own research project for course credit under the supervision of a professor of your choice. Course work usually requires independent library research and/or field work and/or a major term paper. For more information, meet with an Academic Advisor and the Department or Faculty member under whom you wish to pursue an Independent Study.

You can also opt to complete an Undergraduate Thesis Course. This will allow you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree and is a great springboard into graduate studies and professional programs. Fourth-year standing and a cumulative GPA of 3.30 is required to complete an Honours Thesis; it is also helpful to have previous research experience like Independent Studies. For more information, contact the Department or Faculty member under whom you with to pursue your Honours Thesis.

The Office of Research and Innovation Services has a wealth of information on additional research opportunities for students, including Student Funding, Student Research Positions, AGILITY, and events. The School of Graduate Studies has information on Research Opportunities/Graduate Student Positions and GA/Co-op/Internship Opportunities. If you are interested in building your research portfolio, do not miss out on these opportunities!

International experience builds valuable employability skills like adaptability, multi-cultural awareness, and the initiative to take on new challenges. Gain an international perspective by participating in Education Abroad opportunities like semester exchanges, study tours, field studies, work-study tours, internships, and more. Learn about international careers and resources through MyWorldAbroad (available within the Career Bridge portal).

Volunteerism is an excellent way to demonstrate your current skills, build new skills, and grow your network. If you are not sure where to get started, connect with UVolunteer, the University of Lethbridge’s partnership with Volunteer Lethbridge. If you already volunteer, UVolunteer can provide you with a framework to organize and document your volunteer work. If you are not sure how or where to get involved, UVolunteer can help you find volunteer opportunities that meet your needs and the needs of your community. Also consider volunteering with a local Board, Commission, or Committee.