What Geographers Do
Geography is unique in linking the social sciences and natural sciences together. There are two main branches of geography: human geography and physical geography. Human geography is concerned with the spatial aspects of human existence. Physical geographers study patterns of climates, land forms, vegetation, soils, and water. Geographers use many tools and techniques in their work, and geographic technologies are increasingly among the most important emerging fields for understanding our complex world. They include Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and online mapping such as Google Earth.
For an overview of geography-related careers, read "Geography Jobs" from Occupational Outlook Quarterly. Explore the links below to review sample job titles associated with specific subfields within geography. To learn more about job titles of interest, visit our Salary Data and Trends page.
Geomorphology
Knowing and applying geographic information about geology and the processes that shape physical landscapes (e.g. soils, hydrology, topography, erosion)
- Soil and Plant Specialist
- Water Resources Specialist
- Environmental Scientist
- Geophysicist
Weather and Climate
Knowing and applying geographic information about weather, climate, and atmospheric processes (e.g., temperature, precipitation, air quality)
- Climate Change Analyst
- Weatherization Installers and Technician
- Atmospheric and Space Scientist
- Climatologist
Biogeography
Knowing and applying geographic information about ecosystems and ecological processes (e.g., vegetation, wildlife, natural habitats)
- Soil and Plant Scientist
- Natural Sciences Manager
- Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist
- Forester
- Biological Science Technician
Natural Hazards
Knowing and applying geographic information about natural hazards (e.g., hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, fire)
- Emergency Management Specialist
- Forest Fire Inspector
- Environmental Consultant
- Ecological Risk Assessor
- Geotechnical Engineer
- Hazards Analyst
Economic Geography
Knowing and applying geographic information about the economy and economic processes (e.g., labor, development, industry, agriculture, transportation, trade, resources, land use, technology change)
- Transportation Manager
- Community Resource Specialist
- Market Researcher
- Business Development
- Real Estate Appraiser
- Environmental Economist
Political Geography
Knowing and applying geographic information about political systems and processes (e.g., governments, political activism, nongovernmental organizations, nations, states, international relations, nationalism)
- Community Organizer
- Policy Consultant
- Policy Researcher
- Lobbyist
Cultural Geography
Knowing and applying geographic information about culture and cultural processes (e.g., religion, language, ethnicity, diffusion, meaning of landscapes, cultural significance of place)
- Tour Guide and Escort
- Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teacher
- Interpreter & Translator
- Historic Preservationist
- Writer/Editor
Population Geography
Knowing and applying geographic information about population, demography, and demographic processes (e.g., population density, migration, birth and death rates, fertility rates)
- Market Analyst
- Population, Real Estate, Community Association Manager
- Urban and Regional Planner
- Demographer
- Public Health Officer
Human Environmental Interaction
Knowing and applying geographic information about relationships between nature and society (e.g., pollution from industrial development, economic effects of drought)
- Tour Guide
- Accredited Land Consultant
- Manager of Sustainability
- Environmental Affairs Specialist
Cartography
Designing paper or digital maps
- Cartographer and Photogrammetrist
- Surveying and Mapping Technician
- Civil Drafter
- Graphics Editor
- Digital Cartographer
GIS
Using GIS to acquire, manage, display, and analyze spatial data in digital form
- Geospatial Information Scientist and Technologist
- Geospatial Analyst
- GIS Developer
- Logistics Analyst
- Transportation Planner
- Environmental Consultant
Photogrammetry
Recording, measuring, and plotting electromagnetic radiation data from aerial photographs and remote sensing systems against land features identified in ground control
- Cartographer and Photogrammetrist
- Commercial Pilot
- Surveyor
- Photogrammetric Compilation Specialist
- Geodesist
Remote Sensing
Understanding the underlying theories and methods related to acquiring an object without contacting it physically (e.g., aerial photography, radar and satellite imaging)
- Remote Sensing Scientist and Technologist
- Geointelligence Specialist
- Remote Sensing Analyst
- Sensor Specialist
- Radar and Sonar Technician
Field Methods
Using interviews, questionnaires, observations, photography, maps, and other techniques for measuring geographic information in the field
- Surveyor
- Water Quality Scientist
- Soil Scientist
- Field Interviewer
- Environmental Health Specialist
Spatial Statistics
Using quantitative methods to process spatial data for the purpose of making calculations, models, and inferences about space, spatial patterns, and spatial relationships
- GIS Technician
- Statistical Assistant
- Architect
Regional Geography
Possessing and applying knowledge of the physical and human geography of a specific country or world region
- Urban and Regional Planner
- Geointelligence Specialist
- Tour Guide & Escort
- Interpreter & Translator
- Historic Preservationist
- Community Developer
Spatial Thinking
Identifying, explaining, and finding meaning in spatial patterns and relationships (e.g., site conditions, how places are similar and different, the influence of a land feature on its neighbors, the nature of transitions between places, how places are linked at local, regional, and/or global scales)
- Urban and Regional Planner
- Surveyor
- Geophysical Data Technician
- Spatial Analysis Consultant
- Environmental Specialist
Global Perspective
Possessing and applying knowledge of how people, places, and regions are linked by global networks and processes (e.g., globalization, international trade, immigration, Internet technology, global climate system)
- Logistics Manager
- Mapping Technician
- Geodetic Surveyor
- International Development Specialist
- Journalist
- Foreign Services Officer
Interdisciplinary Perspective
Drawing on and synthesizing the information, concepts, and methods of the natural and social sciences for geographic research and application
- International Development Specialist
- Urban and Regional Planner
- Humanitarian Affairs Analyst
- Program Manager
Diversity Perspective
Using knowledge about population diversity (e.g., gender, ethnicity, race, sexuality, disability) to interpret social, economic, and political issues in different place
- Human Resources Manager
- Academic Advisor
- Market Researcher
- Public Diplomacy Officer
- Travel Guide
Subdiscipline definitions from: Solem, Michael; Ivan Cheung; and M. Beth Schlemper. Skills in Professional Geography: An Assessment of Workforce Needs and Expectations. The Professional Geographer 60, no. 3 (2008): 356-373.
