Study and Training Although geography is a social science subject there is heavy weightage on mathematical and statistical work. Students may opt to study the subject along with science, commerce or humanities options at school. At the university level the subject falls within the purview of social sciences and hence is located in this faculty. A graduate course in the subject is only a foundation for professional preparation and essentially must be followed by a postgraduate or even a doctoral degree. Geography incorporates in content and method observational sciences such as geology and the critical humanities such as history, sociology and political sciences. It is a subject which bridges the natural and social sciences. In order to take up a post-graduate programme in geography it is necessary to have taken it up as a Pass/Honours subject at the graduate level. At the postgraduate level students take up an area for special study. Advanced studies in meteorology or oceanography requires a science degree in geography or applied geography or geological sciences. Students keen on studying Geographic Information Systems must have a graduate degree in engineering or a post graduate degree in science. Graduates with some mapping experience can study GIS. Mathematical and analytical background is needed for studying GIS.Work Environment Employment Avenues While currently many geographers are working as academicians in schools, colleges and universities an increasing number of geographers are required for jobs in diverse sectors. Geography postgraduates study both human and physical geography imbibing a broad range of skills that can be applied to teaching and careers such as mapping, cartography, aerial surveys, remote surveying, town planning, environment planning. Geographers work for textbook publishers, map companies, manufacturers of geographical equipments, overseas trading firms, market research organisations, real estate developers, NGOs, travel agencies, loans division of investment and financial firms and as geographic information systems specialists (GIS). Geographers job involves planning i.e. future-oriented problem solving as required for transportation planning/ urban and town planning. Town Planners work with the government, housing societies, building industry and leisure management companies. Insurance surveying also offers opportunities for work. Geographers with a scientific background may find opportunities for working with the meteorological office, in environment protection organisations, or in soil survey work. Geographers are also employed as forest managers, demographers in government and research organisations or as researchers in agricultural or economic institutes. Geography can be offered for Civil Services (Prelims & Mains) exams conducted by the UPSC. Geographers work as consultants for trading firms in commodities, shipping and insurance. A background in this subject can also be an asset for a career in travel writing or photography. Surveying is a prominent activity for geographers. Geographers are mainly concerned with surveying for the protection or improvement of the urban or rural environment with the efficient use of resources. It may also be a commercial activity with a builder or an insurance company. Geography is a useful subject in travel writing, adventure tourism, and for travel show hosts. Geographic Information Services (GIS) are employed for organisations dealing with urban planning, disaster management, power, telecommunication, defence, mining, pollution monitoring and water resources management. Town planners, administrative offices, telecom companies and utility services require the services of a GIS professional. Even marketing companies and multinationals use GIS to explore new markets and chalk out distribution strategies. India is emerging as a major data conversion centre for GIS for companies in the US, Europe, Japan and Austria. Geomatics involves processing of raw data from remote sensing satellites for commercial applications. GIS/GPS experts are exploring the use of new mapping technologies like Internet GIS, high-resolution mapping and mobile mapping for applications in disaster management, health, environment, transportation, railways, defence, power, telecom, industry and agriculture.
In a GIS firm the typical hierarchies a person follows is of a Junior Engineer, GIS engineer, Project leader, Project Manager, GIS operator, Supervisor or GIS Data Quality Control.
Geographers spend time in the field while collecting data but most of their time is spent in an office where they collate and analyse information. GIS is an indoor work at a computer terminal.
The field work is demanding as the terrain where work is assigned could be a difficult one. Geographers may have to spend substantial periods of time away from home at the site.
Personal Characteristics
Geographers must have acumen to handle statistical data. Observation, skill for drawing inferences based on compiled information, writing reports and making judgements will be required. GIS will require sharp academic and computing skills and a creative approach to identify programming methods suited to specific requirements.
Keen interest in the physical surroundings powers of observation, good colour vision, precision, interest in outdoor work, patience, perseverance, indifference to unpleasant weather conditions, good physical health, scientific approach and love for exploration are required.
