Study nature and use of areas of 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.

• Geographer
• Geographer, Physical

• Analyze geographic distributions of physical and cultural phenomena on local, regional, continental, or global scales.
• Collect data on physical characteristics of specified areas, such as geological formations, climates, and vegetation, using surveying or meteorological equipment.
• Conduct fieldwork at outdoor sites.
• 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.
• Develop, operate, and maintain geographical information (GIS) computer systems, including hardware, software, plotters, digitizers, printers, and video cameras.
• Gather and compile geographic data from sources including censuses, field observations, satellite imagery, aerial photographs, and existing maps.
• Locate and obtain existing geographic information databases.
• Provide consulting services in fields including resource development and management, business location and market area analysis, environmental hazards, regional cultural history, and urban social planning.
• Provide geographical information systems support to the private and public sectors.
• Study the economic, political, and cultural characteristics of a specific region's population.
• Teach geography.
• Write and present reports of research findings.

• advise clients or customers
• advise governmental or industrial personnel
• analyze ecosystem data
• analyze geological research data
• analyze scientific research data or investigative findings
• analyze social or economic data
• analyze spatial data
• classify plants, animals, or other natural phenomena
• collect geographic or physical data
• collect scientific or technical data
• collect social or personal information
• collect statistical data
• communicate technical information
• compile data on economic, social, or physical factors affecting land use
• compile information through interviews
• compile numerical or statistical data
• conduct field research or investigative studies
• conduct geological surveys
• confer with research personnel
• confer with scientists
• develop or maintain databases
• develop policies, procedures, methods, or standards
• develop scientific or mathematical hypotheses, theories, or laws
• develop tables depicting data
• direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
• direct and coordinate scientific research or investigative studies
• draw maps or charts
• draw prototypes, plans, or maps to scale
• explain complex mathematical information
• identify properties of rocks or minerals
• interpret aerial photographs
• interpret charts or tables for social or economic research
• maintain awareness of social trends
• maintain records, reports, or files
• make decisions
• make presentations
• monitor meteorological conditions
• observe weather conditions
• obtain land survey data using surveying instruments
• operate land or site surveying instruments
• perform statistical analysis in physical science or geological research
• plan scientific research or investigative studies
• plan surveys of specified group or area
• prepare environmental impact or related environmental reports
• prepare reports
• prepare technical reports or related documentation
• present research papers or dissertations on physical science issues
• read maps
• recognize interrelationships among individuals or social groups
• recommend further study or action based on research data
• use computer aided drafting or design software for design, drafting, modeling, or other engineering tasks
• use computer graphics design software
• use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
• use current social research
• use drafting or mechanical drawing techniques
• use field notes in technical drawings
• use geographic positioning system (GPS)
• use geographical information system (GIS) software
• use interviewing procedures
• use knowledge of investigation techniques
• use knowledge of regulations in surveying or construction activities
• use land surveying techniques
• use library or online Internet research techniques
• use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
• use measuring instruments to collect geological data
• use meteorological equipment or instruments
• use physical science research techniques
• use project management techniques
• use quantitative research methods
• use relational database software
• use scientific research methodology
• use spreadsheet software
• use word processing or desktop publishing software
• write research or project grant proposals
• write scholarly or technical research papers