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What They Do

Geographers Career Video

About This Career

Studies the nature and use of areas of the Earth's surface, relating and interpreting interactions of physical and cultural phenomena. Conducts research on physical aspects of a region, including land forms, climates, soils, plants, and animals, and conducts research on the spatial implications of human activities within a given area, including social characteristics, economic activities, and political organization, as well as researching interdependence between regions at scales ranging from local to global.

This career is part of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics cluster Science and Mathematics pathway.

A person in this career:

  • Creates and modifies 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.
  • Analyzes geographic distributions of physical and cultural phenomena on local, regional, continental, or global scales.
  • Writes and presents reports of research findings.
  • Gathers and compiles geographic data from sources such as censuses, field observations, satellite imagery, aerial photographs, and existing maps.
  • Studies the economic, political, and cultural characteristics of a specific region's population.
  • Teaches geography.
  • Collects data on physical characteristics of specified areas, such as geological formations, climates, and vegetation, using surveying or meteorological equipment.
  • Locates and obtains existing geographic information databases.
  • Conducts field work at outdoor sites.
  • Provides geographical information systems support to the private and public sectors.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

  • You would often handle loads up to 10 lbs., sometimes up to 20 lbs. You might do a lot of walking or standing, or you might sit but use your arms and legs to control machines, equipment or tools.
  • Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
  • Work in this occupation involves sitting more than one-third of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

  • Seeing clearly at a distance
  • Seeing clearly up close
  • Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
  • Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

  • Overnight travel

Specialty and Similar Careers

Careers that are more detailed or close to this career:

  • Earth Observations Scientist
  • GIS Geographer (Geographic Information Systems Geographer)
  • GIS Physical Scientist (Geographic Information Systems Physical Scientist)
  • Scientist

Contact

  • Email Support

  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900

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