Photogrammetry is the study of determining geometric properties from overhead images. Photogrammetry jobs primarily are broken down into three categories: technician, analyst and engineer. These jobs each utilize physical and computerized images to perform duties, but each job uses these tools for different results. Each job is utilized by different industries as well.
A technician is the most basic of all photogrammetry jobs. The duties of this profession revolve around doing a lot of preparation work for analysts and engineers. A technician acquires digital aerial photography from airplanes and satellites and prepares it, often in physical or digital form. The technician also files images after they have been looked at by an analyst. Performing administrative duties that help coworkers also is a major responsibility of someone with this job.
A technician requires the least amount of education and training of all of the different photogrammetry jobs. Typically, these roles do not require a college degree. Math and communication classes are essential to filing and serving the needs of analysts and engineers.
The most common photogrammetry jobs usually are those of analysts, because they are used in such a wide variety of industries. The analyst is an expert in overhead photography, cartography and aerial surveying. These workers usually take computer files or physical photos and perform a variety of analytical work to make a report. Frequently, they are looking to record elevation, plant life and any physical structures within the confines of the photos. These jobs frequently are utilized by both government agencies and engineering firms.
The educational requirements for an analyst vary, but a bachelor's degree in geography, geology or civil engineering usually is required. These studies help the analyst understand map reading, perspective and scope. Specialized sciences, such as environmental biology, also are frequently utilized by those who are photogrammetry analysts.
A photogrammetry engineer is a highly specialized job within this field. These people do very little analyzing of photographs, but they instead use the findings of analysts to plan various engineering projects. These photogrammetry jobs frequently are found within private and governmental offices that specialize in civil engineering projects. An example would be a group building a bridge and using satellite imagery to help create blueprints. Engineering jobs require at least a bachelor's degree, but they often demand a more advanced degree in order to handle the complexities and responsibilities associated with this work.