Description
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.
Interests
- Investigative
- Realistic
Work Values
- Independence
- Achievement
- Working Conditions
Work Styles
- Attention to Detail
- Analytical Thinking
- Initiative
- Dependability
- Integrity
Tasks
- 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.
- Gather and compile geographic data from sources such as censuses, field observations, satellite imagery, aerial photographs, and existing maps.
- Teach geography.
- Write and present reports of research findings.
- Provide geographical information systems support to the private and public sectors.
Work Activities
- Analyzing Data or Information
- Working with Computers
- Processing Information
- Getting Information
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Detailed Work Activities
- Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Technology Skills
- Analytical or scientific software
- Presentation software
- Map creation software
- Geographic information system
- Graphics or photo imaging software
Abilities
- Inductive Reasoning
- Written Comprehension
- Written Expression
- Deductive Reasoning
- Oral Comprehension
Skills
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Active Listening
Knowledge
- Geography
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Education and Training
- Sociology and Anthropology
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.
Certificates
Certificate name
Oracle Spatial 11g EssentialsCertifying Organization
Oracle Corporation
Type
Product/Equipment
Certificate name
Certified Environmental ScientistCertifying Organization
National Registry of Environmental Professionals
Type
Core
Certificate name
LEED AP Neighborhood DevelopmentCertifying Organization
Green Business Certification Inc.
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Certified GIS/LIS TechnologistCertifying Organization
American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing - Imaging & Geospatial Information Society
Type
Core
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $49,797 |
| Median (50%) | $74,457 |
| High (90%) | $110,836 |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
Entry Level  | N/A |
| Mid Level | $73,040 |
| Senior Level | $86,102 |
| Expert Level | N/A |
Employability
There are currently 1,600 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to increase to 1,700 positions, reflecting a projected growth of 3%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of 3%
Related Careers
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.
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