Geographer

Geographers are scholars who study human and physical geography. Depending on their specialisation, they study political, economical and cultural aspects of humanity contained within human geography. Moreover, they study land formations, soils, natural frontiers, and water flows contained in physical geography.

The following job titles also refer to geographer:

economic geographer
geography research scientist
physical geographer
natural geographer
biogeographer
cultural geographer
geographers
human geographer

Bachelor’s degree is generally required to work as geographer. However, this requirement may differ in some countries.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Geographer is a Skill level 4 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to geographer.

demographer
seismologist
oceanographer
cartographer
geographic information systems specialist

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of geographer. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of geographer with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of geographer.

Geographic information systems: The tools involved in geographical mapping and positioning, such as GPS (global positioning systems), GIS (geographical information systems), and RS (remote sensing).
Statistics: The study of statistical theory, methods and practices such as collection, organisation, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data. It deals with all aspects of data including the planning of data collection in terms of the design of surveys and experiments in order to forecast and plan work-related activities.
Scientific modelling: Scientific activity consisting in selecting the relevant aspects of a situation and aiming to represent physical processes, empirical objects and phenomena to allow a better understanding, visualisation or quantification, and to enable simulation that shows how this particular subject would behave under given circumstances.
Geography: The scientific discipline that studies the land, phenomena, characteristics and inhabitants of Earth. This field seeks to understand the natural and man-made complexities of Earth.
Scientific research methodology: The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.

These skills are necessary for the role of geographer.

Apply statistical analysis techniques: Use models (descriptive or inferential statistics) and techniques (data mining or machine learning) for statistical analysis and ICT tools to analyse data, uncover correlations and forecast trends.
Use geographic information systems: Work with computer data systems such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Find trends in geographic data: Analyse geographic data to find relationships and trends such as population density.
Perform scientific research: Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
Conduct public surveys: Conduct the procedures of a public survey from the initial formulation and compilation of the questions, identifying the target audience, managing the survey method and operations, managing the processing of acquired data, and analysing the results.
Apply scientific methods: Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.
Collect data using gps: Gather data in the field using Global Positioning System (GPS) devices.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of geographer. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Photogrammetry: The science of taking photographs from at least two different locations in order to measure land surfaces to be represented in a map, 3D model or physical model.
Surveying: The technique of determining the terrestrial or three-dimensional position of points and the distances and angles between them.
Cartography: The study of interpreting the elements depicted in maps, the measures and technical specifications. 
Environmental legislation: The environmental policies and legislation applicable in a certain domain.
Urban planning: Political and technical process that seeks to design the urban environment and optimize land use by considering various aspects such as infrastructure, water, and green and social spaces.
Geology: Solid earth, rock types, structures and the processes by which they are altered.
Ecology: The study of how organisms interact and their relation to the ambient environment.
Remote sensing techniques: The different techniques to obtain information on objects and phenomena on Earth’s surface without having physical contact with them, such as electromagnetic radiation, radar imaging, and sonar imaging.
Climatology: The scientific field of study that deals with researching average weather conditions over a specified period of time and how they affected nature on Earth.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of geographer. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Operate remote sensing equipment: Set up and operate remote sensing equipment such as radars, telescopes, and aerial cameras in order to obtain information about Earth’s surface and atmosphere.
Write research proposals: Synthetise and write proposals aiming to solve research problems. Draft the proposal baseline and objectives, the estimated budget, risks and impact. Document the advances and new developments on the relevant subject and field of study.
Collect mapping data: Collect and conserve mapping resources and mapping data.
Design customised maps: Design maps taking into account the customer’s specifications and requirements.
Interview focus groups: Interview a group of people about their perceptions, opinions, principles, beliefs, and attitudes towards a concept, system, product or idea in an interactive group setting where the participants can talk freely amongst themselves.
Analyse environmental data: Analyse data that interpret correlations between human activities and environmental effects.
Study aerial photos: Use aerial photos to study phenomena on Earth’s surface.
Develop scientific theories: Formulate scientific theories based on empirical observations, gathered data and theories of other scientists.
Apply digital mapping: Make maps by formatting compiled data into a virtual image that gives a precise representation of a specific area.
Create thematic maps: Use various techniques such as choropleth mapping and dasymetric mapping to create thematic maps based on geospatial information, using software programmes.
Create gis reports: Use relevant geographic informations systems to create reports and maps based on geospatial information, using GIS software programmes.
Conduct field work: Conduct field work or research which is the collection of information outside of a laboratory or workplace setting. Visit places in order to collect specific information about the field.
Teach geography: Instruct students in the theory and practice of the subject geography, and more specifically in topics such as volcanic activity, the solar system, and population.
Write scientific papers: Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.
Provide technical expertise: Provide expert knowledge in a particular field, especially concerning mechanical or scientific subjects, to decision makers, engineers, technical staff or journalists.
Study radar images: Analyse radar images to study phenomena on Earth’s surface.
Design graphics: Apply a variety of visual techniques in order to design graphic material. Combine graphical elements to communicate concepts and ideas.

2632 – Sociologists, anthropologists and related professionals

 

 

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References

1. Geographer – ESCO