Physical Scientists, All Other.

This job has 24 core tasks. We went through 22 of them, one at a time.

Task by task, from the work Physical Scientists, All Others actually do. How we describe AI use in each task is our own read of it, not a measurement of whether AI can replace the job.

1. TASK 01

   Analyze data acquired from aircraft, satellites, or ground-based platforms, using statistical analysis software, image analysis software, or Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

   AI DOES

   Processes large satellite datasets, runs image classification, and detects patterns in GIS layers automatically

   YOU DO

   Interpret ambiguous results, validate outputs against ground truth, and make scientific judgments about what the data really means

2. TASK 02

   Process aerial or satellite imagery to create products such as land cover maps.

   AI DOES

   Classifies land cover types in satellite images and flags areas of change automatically

   YOU DO

   Verify accuracy, fix misclassifications, and apply domain knowledge to ambiguous terrain

3. TASK 03

   Manage or analyze data obtained from remote sensing systems to obtain meaningful results.

   AI DOES

   Processes large datasets, detects patterns, classifies land cover, and generates visualizations automatically

   YOU DO

   Interpret ambiguous results, apply domain knowledge, and decide what findings matter for real-world decisions

4. TASK 04

   Organize and maintain geospatial data and associated documentation.

   AI DOES

   Auto-sorts files, fills in metadata fields, flags duplicates, and suggests folder structures

   YOU DO

   Decide how to organize data to match your project goals and quality standards

5. TASK 05

   Prepare or deliver reports or presentations of geospatial project information.

   AI DOES

   Drafts report sections, summarizes data trends, and suggests slide layouts

   YOU DO

   Interpret what the geospatial findings actually mean for the real-world decision at hand

6. TASK 06

   Develop or build databases for remote sensing or related geospatial project information.

   AI DOES

   Drafts database schemas, writes SQL queries, and suggests data models for geospatial datasets

   YOU DO

   Decide which data layers matter and how the database must fit your specific project workflows

7. TASK 07

   Use remote sensing data for forest or carbon tracking activities to assess the impact of environmental change.

   AI DOES

   Scans satellite and sensor data to detect forest cover changes and estimate carbon stocks

   YOU DO

   Validate findings, pick the right models, and translate results into meaningful environmental insights

8. TASK 08

   Develop automated routines to correct for the presence of image distorting artifacts, such as ground vegetation.

   AI DOES

   Generates correction algorithm code, suggests filtering approaches, and flags artifact patterns in sample imagery

   YOU DO

   Validate results against ground truth and tune algorithms for specific terrain and sensor conditions

9. TASK 09

   Apply remote sensing data or techniques, such as surface water modeling or dust cloud detection, to address environmental issues.

   AI DOES

   Flags anomalies in satellite data, runs standard detection models, and speeds up image processing

   YOU DO

   Choose the right method for each unique environmental problem and interpret what the data actually means

10. TASK 10

    Design or implement strategies for collection, analysis, or display of geographic data.

    AI DOES

    Drafts analysis pipelines, suggests visualization tools, and auto-generates code for data processing

    YOU DO

    Decide which geographic questions to ask and judge whether results make real-world sense

11. TASK 11

    Integrate other geospatial data sources into projects.

    AI DOES

    Suggests data sources, writes scripts to reproject and merge layers, and flags mismatches in formats or coordinate systems

    YOU DO

    Decide which datasets are scientifically valid and how they meaningfully connect to your research question

12. TASK 12

    Conduct research into the application or enhancement of remote sensing technology.

    AI DOES

    Searches research literature, summarizes findings, drafts code for data analysis, and suggests existing methods

    YOU DO

    Design the experiments, judge which questions are worth asking, and interpret unexpected results from real sensor data

13. TASK 13

    Recommend new remote sensing hardware or software acquisitions.

    AI DOES

    Searches product databases, compares sensor specs, summarizes user reviews, and drafts recommendation reports

    YOU DO

    Weigh mission needs, organizational priorities, and real-world field experience before committing budget

14. TASK 14

    Monitor quality of remote sensing data collection operations to determine if procedural or equipment changes are necessary.

    AI DOES

    Scans incoming data streams for anomalies, artifacts, and quality metrics in real time

    YOU DO

    Decide whether anomalies mean equipment failure, bad conditions, or a needed procedure change

15. TASK 15

    Discuss project goals, equipment requirements, or methodologies with colleagues or team members.

    AI DOES

    Drafts meeting agendas, summarizes equipment options, and suggests methodology comparisons

    YOU DO

    Lead the conversation, read the room, and make judgment calls with teammates

16. TASK 16

    Train technicians in the use of remote sensing technology.

    AI DOES

    Drafts training guides, quizzes, and explainer content about remote sensing tools and concepts

    YOU DO

    Watch learners work, spot confusion early, and adjust teaching in the moment

17. TASK 17

    Attend meetings or seminars or read current literature to maintain knowledge of developments in the field of remote sensing.

    AI DOES

    Summarizes new papers, highlights key findings, and organizes literature by topic

    YOU DO

    Decide which ideas matter for your work and connect with colleagues in person

18. TASK 18

    Develop new analytical techniques or sensor systems.

    AI DOES

    Searches research, drafts design ideas, and runs simulations to test concepts

    YOU DO

    Bring creative insight and hands-on expertise to validate and build genuinely new systems

19. TASK 19

    Direct all activity associated with implementation, operation, or enhancement of remote sensing hardware or software.

    AI DOES

    Drafts project plans, summarizes system logs, and suggests configuration improvements

    YOU DO

    Make final calls on hardware tradeoffs, team coordination, and real-world deployment decisions

20. TASK 20SOURCE-BACKED TASK

    Compile and format image data to increase its usefulness.

    AI DOES

    Sorts, labels, and reformats image files automatically

    YOU DO

    Decide which format serves your purpose

    About this analysis +

    57% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium

21. TASK 21

    Collect supporting data, such as climatic or field survey data, to corroborate remote sensing data analyses.

    AI DOES

    Searches public climate databases, flags relevant existing datasets, and helps organize collected data

    YOU DO

    Go outside, take physical measurements, and judge whether field conditions match what sensors captured

22. TASK 22

    Set up or maintain remote sensing data collection systems.

    AI DOES

    Monitors system health, flags data anomalies, and suggests configuration settings

    YOU DO

    Physically install, calibrate, and troubleshoot hardware in the field