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What does a geographer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
5 min read
Quoted expert
Dr. Elizabeth Wentz Ph.D.

A geographer studies nature, land, and the earth's features. They gather geographic data through aerial field observations, maps, and satellite images. They conduct research through surveys, interviews, and other qualitative methods. They present the results of their research findings by writing reports. They may also advise others in using GIS, remote sensing, and GPS.

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Geographer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real geographer resumes:

  • Manage client data and perform database extraction regularly to make timely data updates.
  • Experience in obtaining and applying GPS data with ArcGIS.
  • Assist with elements of USGS NAQWA program, including data analysis and fieldwork.
  • Use ArcMap, ArcCatalog, ArcScene, ArcINFO, RockWorks, and prepare files for EarthVision.
  • Provide concept-build for additional MOUT's for all of DOD.
  • Plan and coordinate field surveys collecting environmental and infrastructure features with multiple attributes using handheld GPS and survey grade GPS.
  • Implement process to geographically represent and spatially analyze worldwide large polygon and point sets in QGIS, ArcGIS and Google Earth/KML.
  • Support field work preparation including data dictionary creation, geophysical and reconnaissance transect development, and provide daily GPS quality checks.
  • Use html, css, and JavaScript to create online interactive programs for use by DPS and the public.
  • Present material with multimedia equipment and other resources such as PowerPoint presentations and GIS demonstrations.

Geographer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 19% of Geographers are proficient in Spatial Data, ArcGIS, and Remote Sensing. They’re also known for soft skills such as Computer skills, Speaking skills, and Writing skills.

We break down the percentage of Geographers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Spatial Data, 19%

    Created procedure and process manual for the geospatial databases managed by the Geography team.

  • ArcGIS, 14%

    Process Boundary and Annexation Surveys (BAS) from governments utilizing ArcGIS and MAF Tiger Partnership software (Census specific).

  • Remote Sensing, 14%

    Collected information about specific features of the Earth using aerial photography and other digital remote sensing techniques.

  • Python, 7%

    Program web based GIS applications using JS, HTML5, Adobe Flex, and Python.

  • Data Collection, 7%

    Organized, implemented strategies and participated in extensive field data collection, ground-truthing and reconnaissance activities.

  • Esri, 6%

    Received Special Achievement in GIS Award from ESRI.

Most geographers use their skills in "spatial data," "arcgis," and "remote sensing" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential geographer responsibilities here:

See the full list of geographer skills

The three companies that hire the most geographers are:

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Compare different geographers

Geographer vs. Environmental technician

An environmental technician is responsible for identifying, evaluating, preventing, and controlling contamination of the environment. They study how it affects human health with the supervision of environmental engineers and environmental scientists. Environmental technicians work by monitoring the environment and look for possible sources of pollution and contamination that can possibly affect public health. They make sure that environmental violations are prevented. In addition, an environmental technician also investigates any complaint that is related to water quality, air quality, and food safety.

The annual salary of environmental technicians is $25,649 lower than the average salary of geographers.Even though geographers and environmental technicians are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require arcgis, data collection, and gps in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between geographers and environmental technician. For instance, geographer responsibilities require skills such as "spatial data," "remote sensing," "python," and "esri." Whereas a environmental technician is skilled in "patients," "osha," "hazardous materials," and "customer service." This is part of what separates the two careers.

Environmental technicians earn the highest salaries when working in the energy industry, with an average yearly salary of $43,237. On the other hand, geographers are paid more in the government industry with an average salary of $89,063.The education levels that environmental technicians earn slightly differ from geographers. In particular, environmental technicians are 11.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a geographer. Additionally, they're 1.6% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Geographer vs. Environmental scientist

Environmental scientists are responsible for analyzing environmental issues and creating their solutions. They protect the environment together with human health by using their understanding of natural science. It is their job to advise policy-makers, work with industry professionals to reduce waste, and clean up polluted areas. Also, they assess environmental risks and research to guide businesses, government administrators, as well as the general public on probable environmental threats and health risks. Additionally, they ensure that these entities follow the environmental regulations and policies to help minimize their environmental impact on the ecosystem.

On average, environmental scientists earn a $5,131 lower salary than geographers a year.While the salary may differ for these jobs, they share a few skills needed to perform their duties. Based on resume data, both geographers and environmental scientists have skills such as "arcgis," "remote sensing," and "data collection. "

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that geographer responsibilities requires skills like "spatial data," "python," "esri," and "statistical data." But an environmental scientist might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "environmental compliance," "gis," "osha," and "technical reports."

On average, environmental scientists earn a lower salary than geographers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, environmental scientists earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $72,955. Whereas geographers have higher pay in the government industry, with an average salary of $89,063.environmental scientists earn similar levels of education than geographers in general. They're 4.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.6% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for geographers in the next 3-5 years?

Dr. Elizabeth Wentz Ph.D.Dr. Elizabeth Wentz Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Interim Director, Arizona State University

All technologies are increasingly mobile and increasingly personal—such devices like watches and phones provide information and access at any moment in time. The abilities of these devices will continue to expand.

Geographer vs. Environmental service technician

An environmental service technician is an employee who works in a hospital or healthcare facility to maintain cleanliness and a healthy environment within the premises. Environmental service technicians are involved in traditional janitorial tasks as well as proper handling and disposal of biological waste. Although not responsible for laundering them, they are required to distribute linens and keep track of the linens used per department. Environmental service technicians must also refill toilet papers and other paper products to rooms when needed.

An average environmental service technician eans a lower salary compared to the average salary of geographers. The difference in salaries amounts to environmental service technicians earning a $34,477 lower average salary than geographers.

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from geographer resumes include skills like "spatial data," "arcgis," "remote sensing," and "python," whereas an environmental service technician is more likely to list skills in "patients," "environmental services," "customer service," and "cleanliness. "

Environmental service technicians make a very good living in the health care industry with an average annual salary of $31,196. On the other hand, geographers are paid the highest salary in the government industry, with average annual pay of $89,063.Most environmental service technicians achieve a lower degree level compared to geographers. For example, they're 14.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 1.7% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Geographer vs. Gis analyst

A GIS Analyst is responsible for the development and implementation of geographic information systems. They provide expertise, support, assistance, and guidance to various geographic variables in a specific area.

Gis analysts average a lower salary than the annual salary of geographers. The difference is about $1,621 per year.While both geographers and gis analysts complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like spatial data, arcgis, and remote sensing, the two careers vary in some skills.

Even though a few skill sets overlap between geographers and gis analysts, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a geographer might have more use for skills like "python," "esri," "statistical data," and "data management." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of gis analysts require skills like "esri arcgis," "database design," "geospatial data," and "arcgis online. "

In general, gis analysts earn the most working in the utilities industry, with an average salary of $79,998. The highest-paying industry for a geographer is the government industry.In general, gis analysts hold similar degree levels compared to geographers. Gis analysts are 0.3% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 1.2% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of geographer

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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