Geographers
What is a Geographer?
A geographer is a professional who studies the Earth's landscapes, environments, and the relationships between people and their environments. They analyze the spatial aspects of human existence, exploring how various factors such as culture, politics, economics, and ecology influence the geographic characteristics of a region. Geographers employ various methods, including cartography, spatial analysis, and geographic information systems (GIS), to visualize and interpret data related to the Earth's surface. Their work often involves field studies, remote sensing, and the assessment of spatial patterns to understand and address issues like urban development, environmental sustainability, and climate change. Geographers can specialize in physical geography, which explores natural landscapes and processes, or human geography, which focuses on social phenomena and human impact on the environment. Overall, geographers play a crucial role in understanding the complex interactions between people, places, and the planet, providing insights that inform policy decisions and contribute to sustainable development.
Tasks
- Create and modify maps, graphs, or diagrams, using geographical information software and related equipment, and principles of cartography, such as coordinate systems, longitude, latitude, elevation, topography, and map scales.
- Gather and compile geographic data from sources such as censuses, field observations, satellite imagery, aerial photographs, and existing maps.
- Teach geography.
- Write and present reports of research findings.
- Provide geographical information systems support to the private and public sectors.
Technology Skills
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Analytical or scientific software
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- Minitab
- SAS
- The MathWorks MATLAB
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Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
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Map creation software
- Golden Software Surfer
- Leica Geosystems ERDAS IMAGINE
- MapInfo MapMarker
- Martin D Adamiker's TruFlite
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Geographic information system
- Caliper Maptitude
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Geographic information system GIS software
- Geographic information system GIS systems
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Graphics or photo imaging software
- ACD Systems Canvas
- Adobe Photoshop
- Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
- Lemkesoft GraphicConverter
Tools Used
- Soil core sampling apparatus
- Water samplers
- Anemometers
- Laboratory box furnaces
- Stereo or dissecting light microscopes
Knowledge
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Geography
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
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Sociology and Anthropology
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Skills
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Abilities
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Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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Written Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
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Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Bachelor's degree
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Doctoral degree
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Master's degree
Work Activities
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Analyzing Data or Information
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
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Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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Processing Information
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Detailed Work Activities
- Prepare maps.
- Collect geographical or geological field data.
- Compile geographic or related data.
- Instruct college students in social sciences or humanities disciplines.
- Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
Work Interests
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Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$59850.0 - $126940.0
New job opportunities are likely in the future. : Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.