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It also helps transform data into maps and actionable insights. From satellites capturing Earth\u2019s vibrant images to drones uncovering field patterns and sensors exploring rocks on distant planets, this technology drives innovation.\r\n\r\nAs a result, demand for imagery solutions is increasing. The global remote sensing market is projected to grow from $24.9 billion in 2024 to $125.6 billion by 2033, according to Dimension Market Research<\/a>.\r\n\r\nEsri imagery and remote sensing practice lead Sheridan Moore helps customers rethink remote sensing by crafting workflows that tackle their unique challenges and refine methodologies.\r\n\r\n\u201cThere\u2019s so much to remote sensing that people don\u2019t know about. I love being able to think outside the box,\u201d explained Moore. \u201cThis is why I joined Esri. We\u2019re making a real impact, and I can craft workflows that show what imagery can do for others.\u201d\r\n\r\nAs demand for remote sensing applications grows, so does the need for skilled professionals. In this interview, Moore shares how to break into this evolving field and succeed in a career that\u2019s shaping the future.\r\n\r\nThis interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.<\/em>\r\n\r\nQ: How is remote sensing driving innovation and shaping industries?<\/strong>\r\n\r\nA:<\/strong> Using satellites, drones, and sensors to collect data from a distance, remote sensing turns observations into valuable insights that are driving innovative solutions across industries.\r\n\r\nTake agriculture, for example. Farmers rely on drones to monitor crop health, predict yields, and analyze soil conditions. This helps them make smarter decisions. Insurance companies use satellite and aerial images to assess damage and speed up claims after natural disasters. Archaeologists depend on lidar technology to map and uncover ancient hidden sites. Even governments apply remote sensing for defense monitoring and environmental planning. From urban development to disaster management, remote sensing provides cutting-edge solutions to the challenges that affect us all.\r\n\r\nAnd it doesn\u2019t stop at Earth. Remote sensing is opening doors to space exploration as well. Early in my career, I worked at the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration [NASA], studying the big bang theory with remote sensing tools. Later, I shifted to exploring Mars, using these technologies to study its surface and geology. The beauty of remote sensing lies in the perspectives it unlocks\u2014showing us things we wouldn\u2019t normally see. It\u2019s a tool with almost endless possibilities and applications."},{"acf_fc_layout":"image","image":753232,"image_position":"center","orientation":"horizontal","hyperlink":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"Q: What kinds of careers can you find in remote sensing, and how do they differ across industries?<\/strong>\r\n\r\nA:<\/strong> Remote sensing used to be seen as a niche field with a steep learning curve. But now, it\u2019s become so versatile that there are more opportunities than ever. It\u2019s as technical or straightforward as you want it to be.\r\n\r\nIn many industries, the term \u201cremote sensing\u201d doesn\u2019t come up directly because it looks different depending on the application. People typically encounter remote sensing in college, especially if they\u2019re studying geography, environmental science, or geospatial science. Those paths lead to careers as geologists, GIS specialists, environmental scientists, urban planners, or even the newer role of remote sensing scientist.\r\n\r\nOther career paths can be educational\u2014I\u2019m also a middle school science teacher. For example, I use drones in my curriculum to introduce my students to remote sensing. It\u2019s a hands-on and fun way to spark interest in the field. At the high school level, [the assignment] might focus on photography, like exploring how light reflects in images and focal planes\u2014basically using remote sensing to study light. It all depends on the context.\r\n\r\nBut not every path is traditional. If you\u2019re studying something like agriculture or archaeology, you might learn remote sensing as part of a specific course and use it in ways that don\u2019t fit into a clear job title. If you\u2019re more interested in the hardware, a drone or satellite technician role might be a great fit.\r\n\r\nQ: What skills and educational background are essential for remote sensing careers?<\/strong>\r\n\r\nA:<\/strong> The great thing about remote sensing is that the education you need really depends on the direction you want to take. If you\u2019re aiming to become a remote sensing scientist, a degree in fields such as geography, environmental science, computer science, or engineering is a solid choice. But if your goal is something like flying drones or working on satellites, you can get there through certification programs\u2014it\u2019s all about what interests you.\r\n\r\nBeyond the degree side, soft skills such as curiosity and learning from mistakes are key. Curiosity can take you far\u2014it turns exploration into something fun, not just another task. And being open to learning from mistakes is also important because remote sensing often involves experimenting and refining methods.\r\n\r\nOf course, you\u2019ll need some hard skills too. A good grasp of algebra, physics, and computer science goes a long way, and being comfortable with tools such as GIS or image processing software can give you an edge.\r\n\r\nWhat\u2019s great about remote sensing is that it offers so many paths. Whether you love diving into analysis or just want to explore how things like UAVs [unpiloted aerial vehicles] and satellites work, there\u2019s a spot for everyone in this field."},{"acf_fc_layout":"image","image":753242,"image_position":"center","orientation":"horizontal","hyperlink":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"Q: How can aspiring professionals break into the remote sensing field?<\/strong>\r\n\r\nA:<\/strong> Breaking into remote sensing starts with curiosity and hands-on projects. For example, I\u2019ve had my middle school students work with GoPro data on small boats through Educational Passages<\/a>\u2019 Miniboat Program to track ocean currents, winds, and waves. Simple activities like these can spark early interest and teach essential skills.\r\n\r\nGaining practical experience is a key step. Flying drones to capture aerial images or working with freely available data from sources such as NASA or ArcGIS Living Atlas of the World<\/a> can help you get started. Educational programs such as the Mars Exploration Student Data Teams<\/a> research experience or resources such as Landsat Explorer<\/a> provide opportunities to explore the field early on. Esri\u2019s remote sensing tools and tutorials<\/a> are another good resource for gaining skills at your own pace.\r\n\r\nMentorship is another important step. Connecting with experienced professionals can offer guidance and answer your questions. Working on projects or internships in areas you\u2019re passionate about shows employers what you can do.\r\n\r\nI started in planetary science. Others I\u2019ve known have found their way into remote sensing by studying things such as ecology or medicine. There\u2019s no single path into remote sensing, which is what makes it exciting."},{"acf_fc_layout":"image","image":753262,"image_position":"center","orientation":"horizontal","hyperlink":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"Q:<\/strong> What makes remote sensing a rewarding career choice?<\/strong>\r\n\r\nA:<\/strong> What I love about remote sensing is how it can start small\u2014like taking photos on your phone for fun\u2014and grow into amazing opportunities, such as identifying meteorites in Antarctica<\/a>. It\u2019s a field that connects so many technologies, making it adaptable and full of possibilities.\r\n\r\nThe variety of applications never stops inspiring me. For example, I visited the Coastal Studies Science Institute at East Carolina University\u2019s Outer Banks Campus nd learned about marine archaeologists using remote sensing to study shipwrecks off the coast. They\u2019re re-creating these ships with photogrammetry, uncovering where they came from, what happened to them, and what they looked like. It\u2019s just so fascinating to see how remote sensing helps us uncover history like that.\r\n\r\nOne of the most rewarding parts of my work is inspiring the next generation through teaching and helping organizations solve real-world challenges with imagery. This career has shown me how remote sensing can make a difference on so many levels.\r\n\r\nNote: Esri offers a wide variety of massive open online courses (<\/em>MOOCs<\/em><\/a>), <\/em>tutorials<\/em><\/a>, and <\/em>other resources<\/em><\/a> for remote sensing and GIS.<\/em>"}],"references":null},"yoast_head":"\n