Profession geographer

Geographers investigate and describe the structure of societies, the origin and evolution of societies, and the interdependence between environmental conditions and human activities. They study physical and climatic aspects of areas and regions.

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Personality Type

  • Investigative / Artistic
  • Investigative / Realistic

Related professions research, consultancy

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  • Physical or engineering science technician, all other
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  • Sociologist, anthropologist or related professional
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Knowledge

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Skills

  • Perform scientific research

    Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.

  • Find trends in geographic data

    Analyse geographic data to find relationships and trends such as population density.

  • Collect data using GPS

    Gather data in the field using Global Positioning System (GPS) devices.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Use geographic information systems

    Work with computer data systems such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Optional knowledge and skills

write scientific papers analyse environmental data collect mapping data cartography ecology interview focus groups provide technical expertise design graphics study radar images create gis reports operate remote sensing equipment photogrammetry urban planning apply digital mapping surveying create thematic maps climatology geology conduct field work remote sensing techniques environmental legislation study aerial photos teach geography develop scientific theories write research proposals design customised maps

Common job titles

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