Geographers study and analyze the distribution of land forms; climate; soils, vegetation; and mineral, water, and human resources. These studies help to explain the patterns of human settlement.
Many geographers are employed by colleges and universities. The federal government also employs many geographers for mapping, intelligence work, and remote sensing interpretation. State and local governments employ geographers on planning and development commissions.
Textbook and map publishers; travel agencies; manufacturing firms; real estate developers; and insurance, communications, and transportation companies employ geographers. Those with additional training in another discipline such as economics, sociology, or urban planning have a wider range of job opportunities and can work in many other fields.
Cartographers design and construct maps and charts. They also conduct research in surveying and mapping procedures. They work with aerial photographs and analyze data from remote sensing equipment on satellites.
Places of Employment and Working Conditions
Geographers are employed throughout the country and on foreign assignment as well. The largest single concentration of geographers is in the Washington, D.C., area.
Fieldwork sometimes entails assignment to remote areas and less developed regions of the world. A geographer should be prepared for the physical and social hardships such relocation may require.
Qualifications, Education, and Training
Anyone interested in this field should enjoy reading, studying, and research and be able to work independently. Good communication skills are also necessary.
High school should include as many mathematics and science courses as possible.
A bachelor's degree with a major in geography is the first step for a would-be geographer. Course work should also include some specialty fields such as cartography, aerial photography, or statistical analysis.
Advanced degrees are required for most teaching positions and for advancement in business and government; a Ph.D. is necessary for the top jobs. Mathematics, statistics, and computer science are of increasing importance in graduate studies; students interested in foreign regional geography are usually required to take a foreign language as well.
Potential and Advancement
In general, this field will grow, but some areas will offer more job opportunities than others. No growth is expected in college and university teaching positions. The federal government will employ a growing number of geographers and cartographers as will state and local governments. Private industry will provide the largest increase in job openings in this field. There will also be a demand for geographers who specialize in geographic information systems (GIS), which combines computer graphics, artificial intelligence, and high-speed communication to store, retrieve, manipulate, and map geographic data. Persons with only a bachelor's degree will face competition for jobs.
Advancement in this field depends on experience and additional education.
Additional sources of information
Association of American Geographers 1710 16th Street, NW Washington, DC 20009
