Occupation AtlasGeographers
O*NET · 19-3092.00
Geographers
Study the nature and use of areas of the 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.
Also called Biogeographer · Cultural Resources Specialist · Earth Observations Scientist · Economic Geographer · Geographer · Geomorphologist · GIS Coordinator · GIS Coordinator (Geographic Information Systems Coordinator)
10 more
GIS Geographer · GIS Geographer (Geographic Information Systems Geographer) · GIS Physical Scientist · GIS Physical Scientist (Geographic Information Systems Physical Scientist) · Glaciologist · Imagery Analyst · Natural Resources Specialist · Physical Geographer · Political Geographer · Scientist
Compare with another occupationCompare with Atmospheric and Space Scientists
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed
Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
IRAInvestigative · Realistic · Artistic — the three strongest interests, in order
- I Investigative6.74
- R Realistic5.11
- A Artistic3.69
- C Conventional3.69
- S Social2.72
- E Enterprising2.10
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (35%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Up to and including 1 month (30%)
- On-the-job training
- Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (25%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- WritingbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- SpeakingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.8Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.6Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.6Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.5Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
- SciencebasicImportance 3.4Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Conduct product tests to ensure safety standards are met
- Systems AnalysisImportance 3.4Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
- InstructingImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
Show the other 23
- Systems EvaluationImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
- MathematicsbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
- Time ManagementImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
- CoordinationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
- Service OrientationImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
- NegotiationImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- PersuasionImportance 2.6Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- Operations AnalysisImportance 2.5Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- ProgrammingImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- Technology DesignImportance 1.8Level 0.8
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
- Operations MonitoringImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.1Level —
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.1Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
12 coreWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- 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.Importance 4.4
- Teach geography.Importance 4.2
- Gather and compile geographic data from sources such as censuses, field observations, satellite imagery, aerial photographs, and existing maps.Importance 4.2
- Write and present reports of research findings.Importance 4.1
- Provide geographical information systems support to the private and public sectors.Importance 3.9
- Develop, operate, and maintain geographical information computer systems, including hardware, software, plotters, digitizers, printers, and video cameras.Importance 3.8
- Locate and obtain existing geographic information databases.Importance 3.8
- Analyze geographic distributions of physical and cultural phenomena on local, regional, continental, or global scales.Importance 3.8
- Study the economic, political, and cultural characteristics of a specific region's population.Importance 3.8
- Collect data on physical characteristics of specified areas, such as geological formations, climates, and vegetation, using surveying or meteorological equipment.Importance 3.7
- Conduct field work at outdoor sites.Importance 3.6
- Provide consulting services in fields such as resource development and management, business location and market area analysis, environmental hazards, regional cultural history, and urban social planning.Importance 3.2
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- GeographyImportance 4.9Level 6.8Level 7 looks like: Develop a map of the world showing mountains, deserts, and rivers
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.8Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- English LanguageImportance 3.8Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- Education and TrainingImportance 3.6Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 3.5Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Write an article about cultural differences
- MathematicsImportance 3.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
- History and ArcheologyImportance 2.9Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Teach local history to school children
- Law and GovernmentImportance 2.9Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
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- Communications and MediaImportance 2.8Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
- Administration and ManagementImportance 2.7Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- BiologyImportance 2.7Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Investigate the effects of pollution on marine plants and animals
- AdministrativeImportance 2.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 2.5Level 2.9
- DesignImportance 2.5Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.4Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 2.3Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- PsychologyImportance 2.3Level 2.7
- TelecommunicationsImportance 2.3Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- TransportationImportance 2.2Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- Economics and AccountingImportance 2.1Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- PhysicsImportance 2.1Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- ChemistryImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
- Foreign LanguageImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 2.0Level 2.7
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.6Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- Sales and MarketingImportance 1.6Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.5Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.5Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.4Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
- MechanicalImportance 1.4Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
- Food ProductionImportance 1.2Level —
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.2Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 4.1Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
- Written ComprehensionImportance 4.1Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Written ExpressionImportance 4.1Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Near VisionImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
- Information OrderingImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
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- Speech ClarityImportance 3.8Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.6Level 4.1Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.6Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
- OriginalityImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
- Far VisionImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
- Number FacilityImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- VisualizationImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
- Selective AttentionImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- MemorizationImportance 2.8Level 2.9
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.8Level 2.8
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.5Level 2.6Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Time SharingImportance 2.5Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- Trunk StrengthImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Auditory AttentionImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Finger DexterityImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Manual DexterityImportance 1.3Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.3Level —
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.1Level —
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.1Level —
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.1Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.1Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
- Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 4.6Level 5.6
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Getting InformationImportance 4.5Level 5.7
- Processing InformationImportance 4.5Level 5.9
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.3Level 5.6
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 4.2Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.1Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.0Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
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- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.0Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.0Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 4.0Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.8Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.8Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.7Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.6Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 3.5Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.4Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.4Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.3Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.2Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 3.1Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.1Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.0Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 2.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 2.7Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.6Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.5Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.3Level 2.8
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 2.3Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.2Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 2.2Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.1Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.5Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.4Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
45 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (6)
- Autodesk AutoCADhot
- ESRI ArcGIS softwarehot
- Pythonhot
- Structured query language SQLhot
- Geographic information system GIS software
- Geographic information system GIS systems
Hot (10; 4 more marked hot above)
- Adobe Photoshop
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- R
- SAS
- The MathWorks MATLAB
Other tools (29)
- ACD Systems Canvas
- Adobe Dreamweaver
- Caliper Maptitude
- Clark Labs IDRISI Andes
- Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
- ESRI ArcIMS
- ESRI ArcInfo
- ESRI ArcView
- Geographic resources analysis support system GRASS
- Golden Software Grapher
- Golden Software Surfer
- Google Earth Pro
- Groundwater Vistas
- HydroSOLVE AQTESOLV
- ITT Visual Information Solutions ENVI
- Leica Geosystems ERDAS IMAGINE
- Lemkesoft GraphicConverter
- MapInfo MapMarker
- Martin D Adamiker's TruFlite
- Microsoft Internet Explorer
- Minitab
- MODPATH
- Pattern searching software
- RIVERMorph
- RockWare ArcMap
- RockWare MODFLOW
- Systat Software SigmaPlot
- Trimble Pathfinder Office
- Wolfram Research Mathematica
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Atmospheric and Space Scientists
Average difference 0.2 points · Science +0.6, Active Learning +0.4
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Average difference 0.2 points · Science −1.4, Instructing −0.6
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Political Scientists
Average difference 0.2 points · Science −0.8, Social Perceptiveness +0.8
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Industrial Ecologists
Average difference 0.2 points · Quality Control Analysis +0.7, Management of Financial Resources +0.5
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Sociologists
Average difference 0.2 points · Social Perceptiveness +0.9, Learning Strategies +0.8
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Average difference 0.2 points · Science −1.0, Instructing +0.9
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Climate Change Policy Analysts
Average difference 0.2 points · Science −0.8, Judgment and Decision Making −0.5
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Economists
Average difference 0.2 points · Science −1.5, Mathematics +1.1
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.