Will AI replace Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists?

AI can do 56% of the work Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists do at least twice as fast. People already use it for 1 of their 24 tasks, while 17 more are ready but barely used so far. Robots can technically handle 1 physical task. 5 still need a person.

AI is already doing this1 · 5% of time

People already use AI for these tasks in real work, based on Anthropic's analysis of how Claude is used.

  • Compile and format image data to increase its usefulness.Mostly automated5% of time

AI could do this next17 · 52% of time

AI can speed these up by at least half, but real use has not caught up yet. These are next in line.

  • Prepare or deliver reports or presentations of geospatial project information.7% of time
  • Process aerial or satellite imagery to create products such as land cover maps.7% of time
  • Organize and maintain geospatial data and associated documentation.5% of time
  • Design or implement strategies for collection, analysis, or display of geographic data.5% of time
  • Develop or build databases for remote sensing or related geospatial project information.4% of time
  • Conduct research into the application or enhancement of remote sensing technology.4% of time
  • Collect supporting data, such as climatic or field survey data, to corroborate remote sensing data analyses.2% of time
  • Develop automated routines to correct for the presence of image distorting artifacts, such as ground vegetation.2% of time
  • Develop new analytical techniques or sensor systems.2% of time
  • Monitor quality of remote sensing data collection operations to determine if procedural or equipment changes are necessary.2% of time
  • Set up or maintain remote sensing data collection systems.2% of time
  • Apply remote sensing data or techniques, such as surface water modeling or dust cloud detection, to address environmental issues.2% of time
  • Use remote sensing data for forest or carbon tracking activities to assess the impact of environmental change.2% of time
  • Direct all activity associated with implementation, operation, or enhancement of remote sensing hardware or software.1% of time
  • Direct installation or testing of new remote sensing hardware or software.1% of time
  • Recommend new remote sensing hardware or software acquisitions.1% of time
  • Train technicians in the use of remote sensing technology.1% of time

Robots can technically do this1 · 2% of time

Physical tasks that today's robots can perform in at least some settings. Robots are cost competitive for very few tasks so far, so this change moves slower.

  • Participate in fieldwork.Robots: almost anywhere2% of time

Still needs a person5 · 41% of time

No real AI use, no proven AI speedup and no robot that can do it yet. This is the part of the job to build on.

  • Analyze data acquired from aircraft, satellites, or ground-based platforms, using statistical analysis software, image analysis software, or Geographic Information Systems (GIS).13% of time
  • Manage or analyze data obtained from remote sensing systems to obtain meaningful results.12% of time
  • Discuss project goals, equipment requirements, or methodologies with colleagues or team members.7% of time
  • Integrate other geospatial data sources into projects.6% of time
  • Attend meetings or seminars or read current literature to maintain knowledge of developments in the field of remote sensing.4% of time

Your week is not the average

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What this means

AI can do most of this work faster, but a real part of the job still needs a person. Real use is still behind at 5 out of 100, so the change here is only getting started. The people who learn which tasks to hand off will pull ahead.

What to do next

  • Do the 1 task AI is already handling with AI yourself. Your peers already are, and it is quickly becoming the baseline.
  • Get ahead on the 17 tasks AI could do next. These move as tools improve, so learning them early pays off.
  • Keep an eye on the 1 physical task robots can technically do. Cost keeps most robots out of work today, so this shift is slower.
  • Build on the 5 tasks that stay human. This is where your judgment, skill and relationships matter most.
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers51%Chemists63%Physicists70%Astronomers73%Materials Scientists76%Hydrologists85%

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