You’re a geologist working remotely. What are the best technologies to help you do your job?

1 Remote sensing

Remote sensing is the process of acquiring information about the Earth's surface, subsurface, and atmosphere without direct contact. Remote sensing can use different sources of electromagnetic radiation, such as visible light, infrared, radar, and microwave. Remote sensing can help you map geological features, monitor natural hazards, assess mineral resources, and detect environmental changes. Some of the common remote sensing platforms are satellites, aircraft, drones, and ground-based sensors.

2 Geographic information systems

Geographic information systems (GIS) are software applications that allow you to store, manipulate, analyze, and visualize spatial data. GIS can help you integrate and manage different types of data, such as remote sensing images, topographic maps, geophysical surveys, geochemical samples, and borehole logs. GIS can help you perform spatial analysis, such as overlaying, buffering, interpolation, and modeling. GIS can also help you create interactive maps and charts that can communicate your findings and recommendations.

3 Cloud computing

Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services, such as storage, processing, networking, and software, over the internet. Cloud computing can help you access and share large amounts of data and applications without investing in expensive hardware and software. Cloud computing can also help you scale up or down your computing resources according to your needs and budget. Cloud computing can also enhance your collaboration and communication with your colleagues and clients.

4 Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the simulation of human intelligence by machines, such as computers and robots. AI can help you automate and optimize various tasks and processes, such as data collection, processing, analysis, and interpretation. AI can also help you discover new patterns and insights from complex and diverse data sets. AI can also help you improve your decision making and problem solving skills. Some of the common AI techniques are machine learning, deep learning, neural networks, and natural language processing.

6 Mobile applications

Mobile applications are software programs that can run on smartphones, tablets, or other portable devices. Mobile applications can help you access and use various tools and services on the go. Mobile applications can help you collect and record field data, such as GPS coordinates, photos, videos, and notes. Mobile applications can also help you access and update databases, maps, models, and reports. Mobile applications can also help you communicate and collaborate with your team and stakeholders.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?