Geographer

Not all jobs occupied by geographers require a degree, and many of those that do might require a degree in a subject other than geography. Remote sensing specialists and photogrammetrists usually have a bachelor's degree or higher in geography, and many also have degrees in the natural sciences. Classes in statistics, geometry, and algebra are also important for these occupations. People with an associate's degree in photogrammetry or mapping can begin working as an assistant and gain additional skills on the job. Most of the technical specifics in this subspecialty are learned on the job, no matter what the educational background of the individual.

Those wishing to pursue a career in surveying must pass two national licensing exams and any state required licensing exam. Most states now require surveyors to have a bachelor's degree in surveying or a closely related field of study. Because only about 20 schools offer a degree in surveying, some people qualify for this job with an associate's degree in surveying or a combination of experience and vocational courses.

Geographic Information System (GIS) analysts must have a bachelor's degree in geography or a closely related field that includes courses in GIS and geometry. Art classes and computer science classes are also useful for those considering a career in this field. An associate's degree or certificate in GIS may qualify an applicant for entry level positions.

A geographer is a scientist who studies the physical environment of the earth, human habitat, and the interactions between the two. Geographers are often especially focused on the spatial relations between the physical environment and humans, wild life, climate, economics, and culture. There are a variety of areas of study within the field of geography, but all are concerned with the human and social interactions within the natural environment. Geographers work in jobs ranging from planning the location of schools and businesses to analyzing the political stability of a region.

Geographers might work as remote sensing specialists or photogrammetrists who oversee the collection and interpretation of photographs taken from airplanes, jets, and satellites. Other geographers are surveyors and surveying technicians. Surveyors usually begin their work in a library or records office looking up deeds, blueprints, and survey reports. Then they get outside and directly measure land, inclines, and the depths of waterways to determine proper legal boundaries. A Geographic Information System (GIS) analyst turns data gathered from remote sensing specialists and surveyors into maps and other useful tools like databases of geographical information. Geographers may also be seen in the occupation of an urban or regional planner. They help governments decide where to place roads and buildings and which kinds of construction projects will be allowed where.

Geographers in all fields will need to have the ability to work with data and technology. Most information geographers work with comes from global positioning satellites and much is processed through Global Information System (GIS) software. Geographers need to have an understanding of mathematics; even in occupations where software does most of the calculation, geographers have to interpret the data and have an understanding of the data being presented. Above all, a geographer must have the ability to think spatially, visualize in three dimensions, and see relationships between the physical environment and humans.

Careers in the field of geography have seen growth in recent years, though most openings are not listed with the title "geographer." Geographers work in both the public and private sectors in a variety of positions. In May of 2006 the median annual income for geographers in the United States was $66,440 with the middle fifty percent earning between $51,350 and $81,410 per year.