Who is a geographer and what do they do? The geographer investigates the nature and uses of various areas in the country and in the world; the environment; how to use and preserve natural conditions and resources; development and characteristics of human activity and of the economy in a given area of the country or of the world. There is a tendency to specialise either in physical geography – which is more concerned with the physical features of an area – or in human geography, which focuses more on human activities and organisation.
What are the activities of the geographer? Working out research programmes for geographical exploration – observation, documenting, data processing and analysing the phenomena and processes under exploration – comparative researches – interpretation of results – development of prognoses, diagrams, maps, schemes – elaboration of scientific and popular publications. Geographers may act as consultants, constructing maps, carrying out surveys, or interpreting data.
Where is it done and under what conditions? Indoors – in studies, laboratories, observation stations etc, as well as in the open air – while carrying out fieldwork. During fieldwork special working clothes may be used. Some traveling for periods away from home may be involved.
What tools/equipment do they use? Measurement and survey apparatus and instruments, maps, aerial photographs, photographs taken from space by satellites, laboratory data, scientific and specialised publications, common office equipment.
What do you need to succeed? You need to have completed university, with a master’s degree, in geography. Good physical health, normal eyesight and good colour vision, a well developed perception of form and space, ability to concentrate, careful observation, and well developed intellectual abilities are important for the occupation.