Geographers
Geographers study the nature and use of areas of the Earth's surface, relating and interpreting interactions of physical and cultural phenomena. They conduct research on physical aspects of a region, including landforms, climates, soils, plants, and animals, and conduct 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.
Geographer job description involves studying the earth, examining the physical features of the natural environment or landscape. They gather data from field observations, maps, satellite and air photos, laser scans, and censuses, and map, analyze and understand the data using technologies like geographic information systems (GIS).
Geographers analyze the geographic distributions of physical and cultural phenomena on local, regional, continental, or global scales. They create maps or diagrams using geographical information software, and principles of cartography.
Entry-level GIS jobs require a bachelor’s degree with extensive skill, knowledge, and experience. A master’s degree or a doctoral degree is required for advancements in GIS jobs with a good geographer salary pay. The skills required for a geographer include active learning, science, critical thinking, judgment and decision making, problem-solving, coordination, time management, system evaluation, communication, and coordination.
How to become a geographer? GIS jobs require knowledge of geography, sociology and anthropology, mathematics, history and archaeology, and computers and electronics. Geographers work in government and private research laboratories and universities, and their pay is commensurate with the nature of the job.
A successful geographer should think analytically and pay attention to detail.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- M.A. Geography
- B.Sc. Geography
- B.A. Geography
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.
- Write and present reports of research findings.
- Develop, operate, and maintain geographical information computer systems, including hardware, software, plotters, digitizers, printers, and video cameras.
- Locate and obtain existing geographic information databases.
- Analyze geographic distributions of physical and cultural phenomena on local, regional, continental, or global scales.
- Teach geography.
- Gather and compile geographic data from sources such as censuses, field observations, satellite imagery, aerial photographs, and existing maps.
- Conduct field work at outdoor sites.
- Study the economic, political, and cultural characteristics of a specific region's population.
- Provide consulting services in fields such as resource development and management, business location and market area analysis, environmental hazards, regional cultural history, and urban social planning.
Progression Routes
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