[Core] [20% incumbents] 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.
  DWAs: Prepare maps.

[Core] [20% incumbents] Gather and compile geographic data from sources such as censuses, field observations, satellite imagery, aerial photographs, and existing maps.
  DWAs: Compile geographic or related data. | Collect geographical or geological field data.

[Core] [20% incumbents] Teach geography.
  DWAs: Instruct college students in social sciences or humanities disciplines.

[Core] [20% incumbents] Write and present reports of research findings.
  DWAs: Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.

[Core] [20% incumbents] Provide geographical information systems support to the private and public sectors.
  DWAs: Develop software or applications for scientific or technical use.

[Core] [20% incumbents] Study the economic, political, and cultural characteristics of a specific region's population.
  DWAs: Conduct anthropological or archaeological research.

[Core] [20% incumbents] Analyze geographic distributions of physical and cultural phenomena on local, regional, continental, or global scales.
  DWAs: Conduct anthropological or archaeological research.

[Core] [20% incumbents] Develop, operate, and maintain geographical information computer systems, including hardware, software, plotters, digitizers, printers, and video cameras.
  DWAs: Develop software or applications for scientific or technical use.

[Core] [20% incumbents] Locate and obtain existing geographic information databases.
  DWAs: Collect archival data.

[Core] [20% incumbents] Collect data on physical characteristics of specified areas, such as geological formations, climates, and vegetation, using surveying or meteorological equipment.
  DWAs: Collect geographical or geological field data.

[Core] [20% incumbents] Conduct field work at outdoor sites.
  DWAs: Collect geographical or geological field data.

[Core] [20% incumbents] 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.
  DWAs: Advise others on business or operational matters.

--- SKILLS ---
  Reading Comprehension (imp:4.12 lvl:4.75) — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  Writing (imp:4.12 lvl:4.88) — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audienc
  Speaking (imp:4.00 lvl:4.38) — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  Critical Thinking (imp:4.00 lvl:4.00) — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternativ
  Active Listening (imp:3.75 lvl:4.12) — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand
  Active Learning (imp:3.62 lvl:4.12) — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future pr
  Science (imp:3.38 lvl:3.62) — Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
  Learning Strategies (imp:3.12 lvl:3.62) — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate fo
  Mathematics (imp:3.00 lvl:3.12) — Using mathematics to solve problems.
  Monitoring (imp:3.00 lvl:3.38) — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organization

--- KNOWLEDGE ---
  Geography (imp:4.85 lvl:6.79) — Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, an
  English Language (imp:3.84 lvl:4.75) — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the mea
  Computers and Electronics (imp:3.75 lvl:5.00) — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and comput
  Education and Training (imp:3.55 lvl:5.35) — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching
  Sociology and Anthropology (imp:3.45 lvl:4.95) — Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human 
  Mathematics (imp:3.00 lvl:4.10) — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their appl
  History and Archeology (imp:2.90 lvl:3.60) — Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civi
  Law and Government (imp:2.85 lvl:3.20) — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulat
  Communications and Media (imp:2.80 lvl:3.60) — Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and m
  Biology (imp:2.68 lvl:3.40) — Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interd
  Administration and Management (imp:2.65 lvl:3.70) — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, 
  Administrative (imp:2.63 lvl:3.90) — Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word proce
  Customer and Personal Service (imp:2.50 lvl:2.85) — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal servic
  Design (imp:2.47 lvl:3.05) — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of 
  Personnel and Human Resources (imp:2.40 lvl:3.00) — Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, tra
  Engineering and Technology (imp:2.32 lvl:2.45) — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. Th
  Telecommunications (imp:2.32 lvl:1.65) — Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of te
  Psychology (imp:2.26 lvl:2.70) — Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, 
  Transportation (imp:2.21 lvl:2.35) — Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea
  Physics (imp:2.11 lvl:2.50) — Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships,
  Public Safety and Security (imp:2.11 lvl:2.10) — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote
  Economics and Accounting (imp:2.05 lvl:1.60) — Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial mar
  Foreign Language (imp:2.00 lvl:2.10) — Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language inclu
  Philosophy and Theology (imp:2.00 lvl:2.70) — Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their 
  Chemistry (imp:1.95 lvl:1.95) — Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances a
  Production and Processing (imp:1.58 lvl:1.25) — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ot
  Sales and Marketing (imp:1.55 lvl:1.45) — Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products
  Building and Construction (imp:1.45 lvl:0.85) — Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or r
  Therapy and Counseling (imp:1.45 lvl:0.85) — Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and r
  Mechanical (imp:1.35 lvl:0.85) — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and main
  Fine Arts (imp:1.35 lvl:0.70) — Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform
  Medicine and Dentistry (imp:1.21 lvl:0.55) — Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human i
  Food Production (imp:1.15 lvl:0.50) — Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food

--- ABILITIES ---
  Written Comprehension (imp:4.12 lvl:4.75) — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  Written Expression (imp:4.12 lvl:4.88) — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will under
  Inductive Reasoning (imp:4.12 lvl:4.25) — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusion
  Oral Comprehension (imp:4.00 lvl:4.75) — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through 
  Oral Expression (imp:4.00 lvl:5.00) — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will unde
  Deductive Reasoning (imp:4.00 lvl:4.12) — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that 
  Near Vision (imp:3.88 lvl:4.00) — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  Information Ordering (imp:3.75 lvl:4.00) — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according
  Speech Recognition (imp:3.75 lvl:3.75) — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
  Speech Clarity (imp:3.75 lvl:4.38) — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
  Problem Sensitivity (imp:3.62 lvl:3.75) — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does no
  Category Flexibility (imp:3.62 lvl:4.12) — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping
  Fluency of Ideas (imp:3.25 lvl:3.50) — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas
  Originality (imp:3.12 lvl:3.38) — The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situa
  Flexibility of Closure (imp:3.12 lvl:3.50) — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or so
  Perceptual Speed (imp:3.12 lvl:3.12) — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among
  Mathematical Reasoning (imp:3.00 lvl:3.25) — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a prob
  Number Facility (imp:3.00 lvl:3.25) — The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
  Visualization (imp:3.00 lvl:3.12) — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when 
  Far Vision (imp:3.00 lvl:3.25) — The ability to see details at a distance.
  Selective Attention (imp:2.88 lvl:2.88) — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distrac
  Memorization (imp:2.75 lvl:2.88) — The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and proced
  Visual Color Discrimination (imp:2.75 lvl:2.75) — The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of c
  Speed of Closure (imp:2.50 lvl:2.62) — The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into mea
  Time Sharing (imp:2.50 lvl:2.38) — The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of
  Trunk Strength (imp:1.88 lvl:1.25) — The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the 
  Hearing Sensitivity (imp:1.75 lvl:1.38) — The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch 
  Auditory Attention (imp:1.75 lvl:1.50) — The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distra
  Dynamic Strength (imp:1.50 lvl:0.50) — The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This inv
  Depth Perception (imp:1.50 lvl:0.50) — The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you
  Finger Dexterity (imp:1.38 lvl:0.38) — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or bot
  Wrist-Finger Speed (imp:1.38 lvl:0.38) — The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and 
  Spatial Orientation (imp:1.25 lvl:0.50) — The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know wher
  Manual Dexterity (imp:1.25 lvl:0.25) — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your
  Arm-Hand Steadiness (imp:1.12 lvl:0.12) — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while hold
  Control Precision (imp:1.12 lvl:0.25) — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehi
  Extent Flexibility (imp:1.12 lvl:0.12) — The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
  Glare Sensitivity (imp:1.12 lvl:0.12) — The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
  Multilimb Coordination (imp:1.00) — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or
  Response Orientation (imp:1.00) — The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two o
  Rate Control (imp:1.00) — The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in an
  Reaction Time (imp:1.00) — The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sou
  Speed of Limb Movement (imp:1.00) — The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
  Static Strength (imp:1.00) — The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
  Explosive Strength (imp:1.00) — The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping
  Stamina (imp:1.00) — The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getti
  Dynamic Flexibility (imp:1.00) — The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with yo
  Gross Body Coordination (imp:1.00) — The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together wh
  Gross Body Equilibrium (imp:1.00) — The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unsta
  Night Vision (imp:1.00) — The ability to see under low-light conditions.
  Peripheral Vision (imp:1.00) — The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes ar
  Sound Localization (imp:1.00) — The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.

--- WORK ACTIVITIES ---
  Analyzing Data or Information (imp:4.58 lvl:5.58) — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by break
  Working with Computers (imp:4.55 lvl:3.85) — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to progra
  Processing Information (imp:4.50 lvl:5.85) — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying
  Getting Information (imp:4.45 lvl:5.65) — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sour
  Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge (imp:4.25 lvl:5.60) — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others (imp:4.20 lvl:5.10) — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
  Documenting/Recording Information (imp:4.10 lvl:4.70) — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in writte
  Thinking Creatively (imp:4.00 lvl:5.20) — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, syste
  Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates (imp:4.00 lvl:5.42) — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone,
  Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events (imp:3.95 lvl:4.55) — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or 
  Making Decisions and Solving Problems (imp:3.95 lvl:4.80) — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and sol
  Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work (imp:3.84 lvl:5.16) — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your
  Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships (imp:3.75 lvl:4.80) — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and m
  Training and Teaching Others (imp:3.74 lvl:4.42) — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or tr
  Developing Objectives and Strategies (imp:3.63 lvl:4.16) — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to 
  Performing for or Working Directly with the Public (imp:3.47 lvl:4.20) — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving
  Communicating with People Outside the Organization (imp:3.42 lvl:4.65) — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organizatio
  Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People (imp:3.35 lvl:4.00) — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
  Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards (imp:3.25 lvl:3.85) — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events o
  Providing Consultation and Advice to Others (imp:3.15 lvl:3.90) — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical,
  Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings (imp:3.10 lvl:3.60) — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment,
  Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information (imp:3.05 lvl:4.00) — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resourc
  Scheduling Work and Activities (imp:3.05 lvl:3.90) — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
  Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others (imp:3.00 lvl:3.90) — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
  Developing and Building Teams (imp:2.89 lvl:2.95) — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team membe
  Coaching and Developing Others (imp:2.80 lvl:3.75) — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherw
  Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others (imp:2.70 lvl:3.45) — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, 
  Performing Administrative Activities (imp:2.58 lvl:3.20) — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files
  Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates (imp:2.50 lvl:3.10) — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance 
  Monitoring and Controlling Resources (imp:2.30 lvl:2.80) — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
  Performing General Physical Activities (imp:2.25 lvl:2.35) — Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require co
  Assisting and Caring for Others (imp:2.20 lvl:2.10) — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other pe
  Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment (imp:2.15 lvl:2.05) — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to t
  Handling and Moving Objects (imp:2.05 lvl:2.05) — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials,
  Staffing Organizational Units (imp:2.05 lvl:2.30) — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organ
  Controlling Machines and Processes (imp:2.00 lvl:2.00) — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines 
  Selling or Influencing Others (imp:1.95 lvl:1.90) — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or
  Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials (imp:1.90 lvl:1.75) — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors o
  Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment (imp:1.80 lvl:1.40) — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines,
  Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment (imp:1.53 lvl:1.11) — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, s
  Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment (imp:1.40 lvl:0.75) — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, an

--- WORK STYLES ---
  Dependability (imp:4.00) — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related o
  Attention to Detail (imp:3.00) — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
  Intellectual Curiosity (imp:2.45) — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep 
  Attention to Detail (imp:2.28) — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
  Innovation (imp:2.24) — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on 
  Dependability (imp:2.06) — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related o
  Intellectual Curiosity (imp:2.00) — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep 
  Adaptability (imp:1.75) — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas 
  Achievement Orientation (imp:1.74) — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, 
  Tolerance for Ambiguity (imp:1.72) — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
  Perseverance (imp:1.64) — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in 
  Integrity (imp:1.48) — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
  Initiative (imp:1.41) — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may
  Self-Confidence (imp:1.15) — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control 
  Cautiousness (imp:1.14) — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related
  Innovation (imp:1.00) — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on 
  Cooperation (imp:0.80) — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
  Stress Tolerance (imp:0.68) — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
  Sincerity (imp:0.65) — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, withou
  Self-Control (imp:0.57) — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in res
  Leadership Orientation (imp:0.54) — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
  Social Orientation (imp:0.52) — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
  Humility (imp:0.37) — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
  Optimism (imp:0.26) — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even un
  Empathy (imp:0.18) — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feel
  Achievement Orientation () — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, 
  Tolerance for Ambiguity () — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
  Initiative () — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may
  Adaptability () — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas 
  Self-Confidence () — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control 
  Perseverance () — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in 
  Leadership Orientation () — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
  Humility () — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
  Sincerity () — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, withou
  Empathy () — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feel
  Cooperation () — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
  Optimism () — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even un
  Social Orientation () — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
  Cautiousness () — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related
  Integrity () — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
  Stress Tolerance () — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
  Self-Control () — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in res

--- TRANSFERABLE SKILLS ---
  Judgment and Decision Making (imp:3.62 lvl:3.62) — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the m
  Complex Problem Solving (imp:3.50 lvl:3.62) — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and ev
  Systems Analysis (imp:3.38 lvl:3.62) — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, 
  Instructing (imp:3.12 lvl:3.50) — Teaching others how to do something.
  Systems Evaluation (imp:3.12 lvl:3.12) — Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed 
  Social Perceptiveness (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  Coordination (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  Service Orientation (imp:3.00 lvl:2.88) — Actively looking for ways to help people.
  Time Management (imp:3.00 lvl:3.12) — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  Negotiation (imp:2.75 lvl:2.75) — Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
  Persuasion (imp:2.62 lvl:2.75) — Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
  Operations Analysis (imp:2.50 lvl:2.75) — Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
  Management of Personnel Resources (imp:2.50 lvl:2.50) — Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best 
  Programming (imp:1.88 lvl:1.12) — Writing computer programs for various purposes.
  Technology Design (imp:1.75 lvl:0.75) — Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
  Management of Material Resources (imp:1.75 lvl:1.50) — Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materi
  Operations Monitoring (imp:1.62 lvl:0.75) — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working pr
  Management of Financial Resources (imp:1.62 lvl:1.12) — Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for the
  Quality Control Analysis (imp:1.38 lvl:0.38) — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate
  Operation and Control (imp:1.12 lvl:0.12) — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  Equipment Maintenance (imp:1.12 lvl:0.12) — Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind o
  Equipment Selection (imp:1.00) — Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
  Installation (imp:1.00) — Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
  Troubleshooting (imp:1.00) — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
  Repairing (imp:1.00) — Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

--- NATIONAL WAGES ---
  total_employment : 1,400
  annual_median    : $102,040
  annual_pct10     : $66,770
  annual_pct25     : $80,290
  annual_pct75     : $121,870
  annual_pct90     : $136,660
  annual_mean      : $102,350
  hourly_median    : $49.06

--- GEOGRAPHIC DISPERSION ---
  highest_state    : Maryland ($114,920)
  lowest_state     : Texas ($79,170)
  dispersion_ratio : 1.452x

--- TOP STATES BY WAGE (7 total) ---
  Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) emp:    1,090  median: $ 104,770
  Educational Services                     emp:      150  median: $  68,340
  Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services emp:       90  median: $  92,380

--- TOP INDUSTRIES BY EMPLOYMENT (3 total) ---
  Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) emp:    1,090  median: $ 104,770
  Educational Services                     emp:      150  median: $  68,340
  Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services emp:       90  median: $  92,380

exact_match_status : found
matched_title      : Geographer
match_score        : 0.9524
wikidata_qid       : Q901402
word_count         : 963
wikipedia_url      : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geographer
license            : CC BY-SA 4.0
fetched_at         : 2026-06-02T20:52:36.626030Z

--- WIKIPEDIA FULL TEXT ---
A geographer is a physical scientist, social scientist or humanist whose area of study is geography, the study of Earth's natural environment and human society, including how society and nature interact. The Greek prefix "geo" means "earth" and the Greek suffix, "graphy", meaning "description", so a geographer is someone who studies the earth. The word "geography" is a Middle French word that is believed to have been first used in 1540.
Although geographers are historically known as people who make maps, map making is actually the field of study of cartography, a subset of geography. Geographers do not study only the details of the natural environment or human society, but they also study the reciprocal relationship between these two. For example, they study how the natural environment contributes to human society and how human society affects the natural environment.
In particular, physical geographers study the natural environment while human geographers study human society and culture. Some geographers are practitioners of GIS (geographic information system) and are often employed by local, state, and federal government agencies as well as in the private sector by environmental and engineering firms.
The paintings by Johannes Vermeer titled The Geographer and The Astronomer are both thought to represent the growing influence and rise in prominence of scientific enquiry in Europe at the time of their painting in 1668–69.


== Areas of study in geography ==

Subdividing geography is challenging, as the discipline is broad, interdisciplinary, ancient, and has been approached differently by different cultures. Attempts have gone back centuries, and include the "Four traditions of geography" and applied "branches." 


=== Four traditions of geography ===

The four traditions of geography were proposed in 1964 by William D. Pattison in a paper titled "The Four Traditions of Geography" appearing in the Journal of Geography. These  traditions are:

spatial or locational tradition
area studies or regional tradition
Human–Environment interaction tradition (originally referred to as the "man-land tradition")
Earth science tradition


=== Branches of geography ===

The UNESCO Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems subdivides geography into three major fields of study, which are then further subdivided. These are:

Human geography: including urban geography, cultural geography, economic geography, political geography, historical geography, marketing geography, health geography, and social geography.
Physical geography: including geomorphology, hydrology, glaciology, biogeography, climatology, meteorology, pedology, oceanography, geodesy, and environmental geography.
Technical geography: including geoinformatics, geographic information science, geovisualization, and spatial analysis.


=== Five themes of geography ===

The National Geographic Society identifies five broad key themes for geographers:

human-environment interaction
Location
Movement
Place
Regions


== Notable geographers ==

Alexander von Humboldt (1769–1859) – published Cosmos and founder of the sub-field biogeography.
Arnold Henry Guyot (1807–1884) – noted the structure of glaciers and advanced understanding in glacier motion, especially in fast ice flow.
Carl O. Sauer (1889–1975) – cultural geographer.
Carl Ritter (1779–1859) – occupied the first chair of geography at Berlin University.
David Harvey (born 1935) – Marxist geographer and author of theories on spatial and urban geography, winner of the Vautrin Lud Prize.
Doreen Massey (1944–2016) – scholar in the space and places of globalization and its pluralities; winner of the Vautrin Lud Prize.
Edward Soja (1940–2015) – worked on regional development, planning and governance and coined the terms synekism and postmetropolis; winner of the Vautrin Lud Prize.
Ellen Churchill Semple (1863–1932) – first female president of the American Association of Geographers.
Jovan Cvijić (1865–1927) – Serbian geographer, geologist, sociologist and human geographer; father of the karst geomorphology
Eratosthenes (c. 276 – c. 195/194 BC) – calculated the size of the Earth.
Ernest Burgess (1886–1966) – creator of the concentric zone model.
Gerardus Mercator (1512–1594) – cartographer who produced the Mercator projection
John Francon Williams (1854–1911) – author of The Geography of the Oceans.
Karen Bakker (1971-2023), who contributed significantly to the study of intersections between digital technology and the natural environment
Karl Butzer (1934–2016) – German-American geographer, cultural ecologist and environmental archaeologist.
Michael Frank Goodchild (born 1944) – GIS scholar and winner of the RGS founder's medal in 2003.
Milton Santos (1926–2001) – became known for his pioneering works in several branches of geography, notably urban development in developing countries.
Muhammad al-Idrisi (Arabic: أبو عبد الله محمد الإدريسي; Latin: Dreses) (1100–1165) – author of Nuzhatul Mushtaq.
Nigel Thrift (born 1949) – originator of non-representational theory.
Paul Vidal de La Blache (1845–1918) – founder of the French school of geopolitics, wrote the principles of human geography.
Ptolemy (c. 100 – c. 170) – compiled Greek and Roman knowledge into the book Geographia.
Radhanath Sikdar (1813–1870) – calculated the height of Mount Everest.
Roger Tomlinson (1933 – 2014) – the primary originator of modern geographic information systems.
Halford Mackinder (1861–1947) – co-founder of the London School of Economics, Geographical Association.
Strabo (64/63 BC – c. AD 24) – wrote Geographica, one of the first books outlining the study of geography.
Waldo Tobler (1930–2018) – coined the first law of geography.
Walter Christaller (1893–1969) – human geographer and inventor of central place theory.
William Morris Davis (1850–1934) – father of American geography and developer of the cycle of erosion.
Yi-Fu Tuan (1930–2022) – Chinese-American scholar credited with starting humanistic geography as a discipline.


== Institutions and societies ==
American Association of Geographers
American Geographical Society
North American Cartographic Information Society
Anton Melik Geographical Institute (Slovenia)
Gamma Theta Upsilon (international)
Institute of Geographical Information Systems (Pakistan)
International Geographical Union
Karachi Geographical Society (Pakistan)
National Geographic Society (US)
Royal Canadian Geographical Society
Royal Danish Geographical Society
Royal Geographical Society (UK)
Russian Geographical Society


== See also ==


== References ==


== Further reading ==
Steven Seegel.  Map Men: Transnational Lives and Deaths of Geographers in the Making of East Central Europe. University of Chicago Press, 2018. ISBN 978-0-226-43849-8.


== External links ==
 Media related to Geographers at Wikimedia Commons
 Geography portal

--- SEMANTIC NEIGHBORS (5) ---

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model_pass1          : claude-sonnet-4-20250514
model_pass2          : claude-haiku-4-5-20251001
inference_confidence : high
confidence_notes     : Strong data coverage across all dimensions with specific task descriptions, comprehensive skill profiles, and clear career pathways. Wikipedia validation and detailed wage data support high confidence assessment.
inferred_at          : 2026-06-03T15:58:59.105134+00:00
tokens_input         : 4,628
tokens_output        : 4,331
cost_usd             : $0.047195
wikipedia_used       : True
wikipedia_title      : Geographer
wikipedia_note       : Wikipedia confirms geographers as physical scientists, social scientists or humanists who study Earth's natural environment and human society interactions. The definition aligns well with O*NET's emphasis on studying nature and use of Earth's surface areas.

--- PROSE FIELDS ---

ROLE SUMMARY:
Geographers study the nature and use of Earth's surface areas, relating and interpreting interactions between physical and cultural phenomena. They conduct research on physical aspects of regions including landforms, climates, soils, plants, and animals, while also examining the spatial implications of human activities. These professionals combine field research, data analysis, and geographic information systems to understand complex relationships between people and places.

DAY IN THE LIFE:
Geographers spend significant time analyzing data and information using specialized software like ESRI ArcGIS to create and modify maps, graphs, and diagrams. They gather and compile geographic data from diverse sources including censuses, field observations, satellite imagery, and aerial photography. Much of their work involves processing and interpreting information to understand geographic distributions of physical and cultural phenomena across local, regional, or global scales. They regularly write and present research findings, provide GIS support to public and private sectors, and may teach geography at the university level. Field work involves collecting data on physical characteristics of specified areas such as geological formations, climates, and vegetation using various measurement tools.

WHO THRIVES:
Successful geographers possess strong investigative and realistic interests (RIASEC scores of 6.74 and 5.11), with exceptional analytical abilities and attention to detail. They excel at written and oral communication, requiring high-level skills in reading comprehension, writing, and critical thinking to interpret complex spatial relationships. These professionals demonstrate strong dependability and intellectual curiosity, thriving on processing large amounts of information and thinking creatively about geographic problems. They must be comfortable working with computers and advanced technology tools while maintaining precision in data collection and analysis. The role suits individuals who enjoy both independent research and collaborative work in interdisciplinary teams.

CAREER ENTRY:
Most geographers hold a bachelor's degree (45% of practitioners), though advanced positions often require master's (20%) or doctoral degrees (25%). Entry typically involves coursework in geography, GIS technology, statistics, and related fields like sociology, anthropology, and environmental science. New graduates often start in government positions or research assistant roles, developing expertise in specific geographic information systems and data analysis techniques. Practical experience with software like ESRI ArcGIS, statistical packages, and field research methods is essential for career advancement.

CAREER TRAJECTORY:
Career progression often leads to senior research positions, GIS management roles, or specialized consulting in environmental planning, urban development, or policy analysis. Many geographers advance to leadership positions in government agencies, particularly in natural resources, urban planning, or environmental protection. Academic careers involve progression from assistant to full professor with opportunities for research leadership and grant funding. Some transition into related fields like data science, cartography, or remote sensing, leveraging their analytical skills and spatial thinking expertise.

MARKET INTELLIGENCE:
The geography field employs approximately 1,400 professionals nationally with a median annual wage of $102,040 (BLS OEWS May 2025). Salaries range from $66,770 to $136,660, with significant geographic variation from Texas ($79,170) to Maryland ($114,920), reflecting a 1.45x wage differential. Government employment dominates with 1,090 positions in federal, state, and local agencies, followed by educational services (150) and professional services (90). The field faces challenges from small employment numbers but benefits from growing demand for spatial analysis in climate research, urban planning, and environmental management. Job opportunities are concentrated in areas with major government installations and research universities.

AUTOMATION OUTLOOK:
Geography work shows moderate resistance to automation due to its emphasis on complex spatial reasoning, creative thinking, and interpretive analysis. While routine data processing and basic mapping tasks may become increasingly automated, the core activities of analyzing geographic distributions, interpreting spatial relationships, and conducting field research require human judgment and contextual understanding that current AI cannot replicate.

--- REASONED EDGES ---
  [career_pathway] Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians (15-1299.02) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both roles share high importance in GIS software operation and geographic data analysis, with technologists representing a natural career progression path.
    data: Shared GIS technology focus
    data: Geographic data compilation tasks
    data: Computer systems operation
  [career_pathway] Geography Teachers, Postsecondary (25-1064.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Teaching geography is explicitly listed as a top task for geographers, representing a direct career transition.
    data: Teaching geography as primary task
    data: Education and training knowledge requirement
    data: Doctoral degree pathway alignment
  [skill_overlap] Cartographers and Photogrammetrists (17-1021.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both roles involve creating maps and analyzing geographic data using similar software tools and spatial analysis skills.
    data: Map creation tasks
    data: GIS software proficiency
    data: Geographic data analysis
  [transferable_skill] Data Scientists (15-2051.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: High overlap in data analysis, statistical software use, and information processing capabilities shown in work activities.
    data: Analyzing data or information activity
    data: Statistical analysis knowledge
    data: Complex problem solving skills
  [knowledge_overlap] Anthropologists and Archeologists (19-3091.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Shared emphasis on studying cultural characteristics and human society interactions with strong sociology and anthropology knowledge requirements.
    data: Cultural phenomena research
    data: Sociology and anthropology knowledge
    data: Field observation methods
  [task_similarity] Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers (19-2042.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both roles involve collecting data on physical characteristics of Earth including geological formations and climate analysis.
    data: Physical characteristics data collection
    data: Geological formations study
    data: Field research methods

--- NORMALIZER SIGNALS ---
  match_keywords   : ['geographer', 'geographic', 'spatial analysis', 'GIS', 'cartographer', 'geographic information systems', 'spatial data', 'mapping']
  exclude_keywords : ['surveyor', 'meteorologist', 'geologist', 'hydrologist', 'urban planner']
  title_patterns   : ['*Geographer', 'GIS *', 'Geographic*', 'Spatial*', '*Geography*']
  common_variations: ['Physical Geographer', 'Economic Geographer', 'Cultural Geographer', 'GIS Coordinator', 'GIS Geographer', 'Political Geographer', 'Biogeographer', 'Geographic Analyst']

total_terms    : 40
top_words      : ['geography', 'tendency', 'others', 'equipment', 'earth', 'human', 'society', 'geographical', 'principles', 'geographers', 'physical', 'geographic', 'research', 'study', 'environment', 'analysis', 'includes', 'control', 'objects', 'techniques']
source_layers  : onet_tasks | onet_dimensions | dwas | wikipedia | inference

TERM                    COUNT     FREQ  DOMINANT SOURCE      SOURCE BREAKDOWN
──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
geography                  42  0.01282  wikipedia            wikipedia:86%  inference:10%  onet_tasks:2%
tendency                   42  0.01282  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
others                     39  0.01190  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:97%  dwas:3%
equipment                  25  0.00763  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:92%  onet_tasks:8%
earth                      23  0.00702  wikipedia            wikipedia:87%  inference:13%
human                      22  0.00671  wikipedia            wikipedia:55%  onet_dimensions:32%  inference:14%
society                    19  0.00580  wikipedia            wikipedia:95%  inference:5%
geographical               18  0.00549  wikipedia            wikipedia:67%  onet_tasks:17%  dwas:17%
principles                 18  0.00549  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:89%  onet_tasks:6%  wikipedia:6%
geographers                18  0.00549  wikipedia            wikipedia:67%  inference:33%
physical                   17  0.00519  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:35%  inference:29%  wikipedia:24%
geographic                 16  0.00488  inference            inference:44%  wikipedia:31%  onet_tasks:19%
research                   16  0.00488  inference            inference:69%  dwas:12%  onet_tasks:6%
study                      15  0.00458  wikipedia            wikipedia:80%  inference:13%  onet_tasks:7%
environment                13  0.00397  wikipedia            wikipedia:62%  onet_dimensions:31%  inference:8%
analysis                   12  0.00366  inference            inference:50%  onet_dimensions:33%  onet_tasks:8%
includes                   12  0.00366  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
control                    12  0.00366  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
objects                    12  0.00366  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
techniques                 11  0.00336  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:91%  inference:9%
ideas                      11  0.00336  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
activities                 11  0.00336  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:82%  inference:18%
body                       11  0.00336  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:91%  wikipedia:9%
spatial                    11  0.00336  inference            inference:55%  wikipedia:36%  onet_dimensions:9%
management                 10  0.00305  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:70%  inference:20%  onet_tasks:10%
social                     10  0.00305  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:50%  wikipedia:20%  onet_tasks:10%
problems                   10  0.00305  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:90%  inference:10%
resources                  10  0.00305  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:90%  inference:10%
materials                  10  0.00305  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
developing                 10  0.00305  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:80%  wikipedia:10%  inference:10%
software                    9  0.00275  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:33%  onet_tasks:22%  dwas:22%
services                    9  0.00275  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:67%  inference:22%  onet_tasks:11%
understand                  9  0.00275  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:78%  inference:22%
quickly                     9  0.00275  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
orientation                 9  0.00275  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
geographer                  9  0.00275  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
natural                     9  0.00275  wikipedia            wikipedia:78%  inference:22%
cultural                    8  0.00244  onet_tasks           onet_tasks:38%  wikipedia:38%  inference:25%
environmental               8  0.00244  inference            inference:50%  wikipedia:38%  onet_tasks:12%
understanding               8  0.00244  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:75%  wikipedia:12%  inference:12%