Geographers
Also called:
Geographic Information Systems Analyst (GIS Analyst), Geographic Information Systems Program Director (GIS Program Director), Earth Observations Chief Scientist (NASA), Environmental Affairs Corporate Director
What they do:
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.
On the job, you would:
- Write and present reports of research findings.
- 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 including censuses, field observations, satellite imagery, aerial photographs, and existing maps.
Math and Science
- geography
- sociology and anthropology
Arts and Humanities
- English language
- history and archeology
Engineering and Technology
- computers and electronics
Education and Training
- teaching and course design
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Basic Skills
- writing things for co-workers or customers
- reading work related information
Problem Solving
- noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
People and Technology Systems
- thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
- figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
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Verbal
- communicate by writing
- communicate by speaking
Ideas and Logic
- make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
- use rules to solve problems
Math
- add, subtract, multiply, or divide
- choose the right type of math to solve a problem
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People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
- Analytical Thinking
- Independence
- Integrity
- Attention to Detail
- Innovation
- Initiative
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You might use software like this on the job:
Map creation software
- ESRI ArcView
- MapInfo MapMarker
Analytical or scientific software
- SAS software
- The MathWorks MATLAB
Graphics or photo imaging software
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop software
- Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
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master's degree or bachelor's degree usually needed
Get started on your career:
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New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
$74,760
per year, on average
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You might like a career in one of these industries:
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