Geographer

Study the nature and use of areas of the Earth's surface, relating and interpreting interactions of physical and cultural phenomena. Conduct research on physical aspects of a region, including land forms, 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.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Earth Observations Scientist; Geographer; GIS Coordinator (Geographic Information Systems Coordinator); GIS Geographer (Geographic Information Systems Geographer); GIS Physical Scientist (Geographic Information Systems Physical Scientist); Scientist

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.
• Study the economic, political, and cultural characteristics of a specific region's population.
• Analyze geographic distributions of physical and cultural phenomena on local, regional, continental, or global scales.
• Develop, operate, and maintain geographical information computer systems, including hardware, software, plotters, digitizers, printers, and video cameras.
• Locate and obtain existing geographic information databases.
• Collect data on physical characteristics of specified areas, such as geological formations, climates, and vegetation, using surveying or meteorological equipment.
• Conduct field work at outdoor sites.
• 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.

Knowledge

• Geography
• Computers and Electronics
• English Language
• Sociology and Anthropology
• Education and Training
• Mathematics

Skills

• Reading Comprehension
• Writing
• Speaking
• Critical Thinking
• Active Listening
• Active Learning
• Science
• Learning Strategies
• Mathematics
• Monitoring

Abilities

• Written Comprehension
• Written Expression
• Inductive Reasoning
• Oral Comprehension
• Oral Expression
• Deductive Reasoning
• Near Vision
• Information Ordering
• Speech Recognition
• Speech Clarity
• Problem Sensitivity
• Category Flexibility
• Fluency of Ideas
• Originality
• Flexibility of Closure
• Perceptual Speed
• Mathematical Reasoning
• Number Facility
• Visualization
• Far Vision