Geographers

---

Duties

Most geographers do this:

• Many methods exist for gathering data, including field research and surveys.
• Surveys, interviews, and focus groups can all collect data.
• Include geographic data in maps and other visuals.
• Examine the global distribution of specific attributes.
• Geographic information systems (GIS) collect, analyze, and display geographic data (GIS).
• Prepare research documents and provide findings.
• Use GIS and geodata to help, advise, or lead others.
• Regional data can link economic, environmental, health, and political specializations.

Geographers employ GIS, remote sensing, and GPS among other tools (GPS). Geographers use GIS to find patterns and relationships in geographic data. These tools allow geographers to visualize data in maps, reports, and charts. GIS data, such as population density, and aerial or satellite images can be used to produce digital maps. This data is used to build marketing campaigns, plan highways and landfills, and respond to natural disasters.

Some examples of geographers are:

Human-environment interactions are studied by physical geographers. Their research includes terrain formations, climates, soils, natural disasters, water, and plants. Physical geographers could chart a country's natural resources or study the effects of economic expansion on the environment.

People-environment interactions are studied by human geographers. A human geographer's research often includes other disciplines such as economics and geography. Some human geographers rely on nonstatistical sources and qualitative methods like fieldwork and interviews, while others rely on statistical procedures.

Projects involving geographers and other academics are common. Geographers may work with urban planners, civil engineers, legislators, or real estate agents to locate new public transit infrastructure.

Some postsecondary geography lecturers have degrees.

A geoscientist is a person who studies geography and uses GIS in their employment.

Education

Geographers with a bachelor's degree can get most entry-level jobs and government jobs. Non-government geographers may need a master's degree in geography or GIS (GIS). In some jobs, work experience or GIS knowledge might replace a college diploma. For elite research positions, a Ph.D. or master's degree is essential, as is professional experience.

GIS, remote sensing, statistics, and GIS are all taught in geography classes. Because geography is so broad and diverse, there is an increasing need for specialist courses. Private sector geographers, for example, could take business, economic, or real estate courses.

Learning through Doing

Many students and new graduates take advantage of internship opportunities. Hands-on activities like this can help students acquire new skills, interests, and geography. Internships can help job seekers because certain organizations prefer to hire people who have worked in the field.

Permits and Permit Numbers

Although not required, most geospatial occupations require GIS experience, and certification can demonstrate proficiency. The GIS Certification Institute issues the GISP to geographers. Candidates must have a balance of education, experience, and contributions to the area to be certified. The American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing offers GIS certification. Certification requires three years of GIS experience, four letters of recommendation, and passing a written test.

Important Features

Thinking skills. A geographer's task is to collect data from various sources such as maps, photos, censuses, and surveys. Then they must be able to draw conclusions from the various data sets.

knowledge about computers Geographers must be adept in GIS programming, database management, and digital image processing utilizing GIS software.

Analytical skills Geographers must be able to critically evaluate data, methodology, and sample sizes when undertaking research. They may, for example, assess the effects of a development plan based on demographic data.

Oral communication ability Geographers must be able to work collaboratively, explain and defend their findings clearly, and be an engaged team member.

Writing skills. Geographers generally present their findings in papers or publications. They may need to write bids to secure funding for their research or efforts.

Pay

The median annual wage for geographers was $97,200 in May 2024. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $62,390, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $133,680.

Job Projections

Employment of geographers is projected to grow 3 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations.