Social Sciences> Geography

Geographers identify, analyze, and record influences and forces, particularly human behavior, have on the earth’s surface and atmosphere. Geographers study these influences and the phenomena that result on a local, regional, continental, and global scale. Common topics of study include: global warming, population shifts, distribution of resources, natural disasters, hazardous wastes, and housing developments. The field of geography is divided into several subcategories, based on area of interest. Within these subcategories, geographers are able to work in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors in various roles and work environments.

• Geography Subcategories
• Typical Job Titles
• Web Resources

Geography Subcategories

Human and Cultural Geography focuses on cultural origins and movements, specifically the cultural characteristics of societies, such as language, religion, agricultural methods, and nomadic activities.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)/Cartography focuses on generating, storing, and maintaining the charting of the earth’s surface using computers and technology.

Physical & Environmental Geography focuses on the physical aspects of the earth’s surface and atmosphere, including climate, vegetation, soil, and landforms. Geographers work closely with the problems that develop as a result of human activity, such as air pollution and natural disasters such as earthquakes.

Urban & Regional Planning focus on the planning and development of urban and rural areas. Geographers in this area need to understand property values and real estate as well as be highly familiar with the layout of metropolitan and rural communities.

Regional Geography focuses on the major regions of the world, such as Europe, Asia, etc. Geographers need to be highly knowledgeable about the culture and way of life in particular countries.

Economic Geography focuses on the distribution of resources and economic activity, specifically the location of industries and retail and wholesale businesses, on transportation and trade, and on the changing value of real estate.

Political Geography focuses on the influence of politics, specifically the shifts in populations and the distribution and use of resources based on political and governmental decisions.

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Typical Job Titles

• Air & Water Quality Control Manager
• Airline Cargo Marketing Executive
• Cartographer
• City Land Use Analyst
• City Redevelopment Coordinator
• Computer Mapping Specialist
• Director of Computer Assisted Reporting
• Director of Industrial Development
• Engineer, Civil
• Engineer, Consulting
• Environmental Quality Specialist
• Geomorphologist at the U.S. National Biological Service
• Intelligence Analyst at the U.S. National Photo Interpretation Center
• Map Analyst
• Market Development Manager
• Meteorologist at the U.S. National Weather Service
• Peace Corps Volunteer
• Planner, Community
• Political Analyst
• Principal Scientist
• Remote Sensing Specialist
• Site Researcher
• Soil Conservationist
• State Recycling Coordinator
• Surveying Technician
• Teacher
• Tourism Developer
• Travel Consultant/Specialist
• Urban/Regional Planner
• Wetlands Conservation Supervisor
• Zoning Administrator

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Web Resources

American Geographical Society
This site, that of the oldest professional American geographical organization, provides links to publications, resources, tours, and expeditions.

American Congress on Surveying and Mapping (ACSM)
“ACSM was founded in June 1941 and is incorporated as a non-profit educational organization whose goal is to advance the sciences of surveying and mapping and related fields, in furtherance of the welfare of those who use and make maps. ACSM also encourages the development of educational programs and supports publications that represent the professional and technical interests of surveying and mapping.”

American Meteorological Society (AMS)
“The American Meteorological Society promotes the development and dissemination of information and education on the atmospheric and related oceanic and hydrologic sciences and the advancement of their professional applications. Founded in 1919, AMS has a membership of more than 11,000 professionals, professors, students, and weather enthusiasts.”

Association of American Geographers (AAG)
“The Association of American Geographers is a scientific and educational society founded in 1904. Its 6,500 members share interests in the theory, methods, and practice of geography. ” Includes links to general information and job resources.

Geo Job Source
Geo Job Source is a “comprehensive listing of career opportunities in the spatial data professions. Available throughout the world, via the www and e-mail, GJS promises to be the first stop for job-seekers and recruiters.”

GeoSearch
“GeoSearch, Inc. offers personnel recruitment services in Geographic Information Systems (GIS, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Photogrammetry, and related sciences. We recruit technical, management, sales, and marketing professionals.”

CU Resources for Geographers
Internet resources for Geographers is maintained by the Department of Geography at the University of Colorado at Boulder. It provides links to job and career resources in geography and related fields, as well as general information.