Remote Sensing Education and Workforce Considerations

Abstract

This paper investigates aspects of remote sensing education and training in the United States. Based on the results of recent surveys, there is a significant demand for persons trained in remote sensing in private (commercial) companies, public (local, county, state, and federal) agencies, and in academic institutions of higher learning. The situation will become critical as the demand for geospatial products approaches $6 billion by 2010. Unfortunately, the existing multi-disciplinary remote sensing educational infrastructure may not be able to keep pace with the demand. Remote sensing is taught in a myriad of academic departments (e.g., geography, civil engineering, forestry, range science) that generally do not communicate well with one another. Significant changes in our educational approaches may need to take place especially with regard to the development of a standardized remote sensing core curriculum, possibly implementing certification and/or licensing/registration procedures, and improving methods of instruction (e.g., formal academic training, short courses, internships, and/or in-house education).