Workforce Mapping of Remote Sensing Professionals: A Global Overview Based on Inputs from Social Media

Abstract

Spectrum of space products and services are widely recognized across the globe. Whereas satellite augmented devices are being used by billions of people in their lives directly, at the same time satellite provided imageries are being increasingly used for natural resource assessments and monitoring. A growing number of countries are undertaking activities for the development of indigenous basic space technology that will enhance their ability to make the most efficient and effective use of space applications. It is well accepted that nations may cultivate space experts to help understand how space assets can be applied to national priorities which are in turn reflected by availability of workforce. This study is attempted to present the global scenario of remote sensing workforce using query dependent search on world's largest online professional social network LinkedIn. Three key parameters viz. location, sector/industry and experience were used for an appropriate search for the remote sensing (RS). It netted 144,233 results, of which 41.52% of the professionals are having more than 10 years of experience. In terms of geographical distribution, highest percentage of RS professionals were found in the United States i.e. 35.02% followed by India, Canada and U.K, thereby highlighting the need to popularize the advantages of the technology among the RS workforce deficit nations and enhance their capacities in making appropriate use of the same through transfer of technology for the peaceful application of space technology. Majority of the workforce were found to be engaged in research followed by environment services and the information technology sector. However, workforce in higher education showed only 5.5% contribution, displaying lack of sufficient professionals in this sector which stands as a challenge in catering the need of the growing workforce requirement in RS sector as a whole. Though there is considerable variance in the way people use various social networking sites, our study provides a quick insight into otherwise unavailable information on the remote sensing workforce distribution across the globe in a current scenario. It also provides a baseline information for setting national priorities in the space technology related skill development and employment for the societal benefits. Findings made can be utilized for strengthening human capital development in the remote sensing domain across the regions and sectors especially where the labor force departments are either are not in place or not collecting/providing the workforce information in the expedient format.