Geographers & Geographic Information Systems Specialists

Geographers study the distribution and location of physical and cultural phenomena at the local, regional and global scale. Specialists in geography are concerned in understanding and studying the impact of economics or even planned delivery programmes on physical and human landscapes.

Emerging primarily from an interest in understanding the world, it’s structure and size, the study of geography is gradually pervading areas where an understanding of physical and cultural phenomena is used to interpret economic, political and cultural life.

The content and method of study of Geography places it between observational sciences such as geology and the critical humanities such as history, sociology and political sciences. It brings together the best of both disciplines. Courses leading to a science degree in geography concentrate more on physical geography in topics such as bio geography, climatology, geomorphology and hydrology. Geography in the arts stream focuses on economic, social, history and urban geography. Both BA/ B Sc courses in geography cover the basic groundwork in physical and human geography.

Geographic Information Systems

Geographical information system(GIS) uses computers for storing and processing information about the Earth’s surface and land use. GIS specialists focus on the scientific theory of geographic information and analysis and develop new geographic information systems and application. This option blends computing skills with geographical knowledge.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a rapidly growing technological field for resource planning and management. It has applications in the fields of Infrastructure Development such as in land use planning, utilities management, landscape assessment and planning, transportation and infrastructure planning, real estate analysis, telecommunications, power transmission and distribution and many other unlimited applications. While GIS and Remote sensing have already influenced us in many aspects of life the future application of this technology will address asset management process. GIS finds application in the power sector, transportation, roads and highways sector, agriculture etc. The future is bright for professionals trained in GIS.

Nature of Work

Geographers

Geographers working in various sectors study the distribution of soils and its mineral content, vegetation, landforms, climate, and water resources. Their job involves surveying, mapping , cartography and even the use of some meteorological tools. Geographers follow up the field work by analysing aerial photographs and other data they have collected. They prepare maps, diagrams and graphs to record their survey data.

Geographers study both physical & human geography.

Physical geography

Physical geography is concerned with the study of physical phenomenon. Climate, landforms, vegetation, and the oceans have tremendous influence on human lifestyles. Physical geographers understand and analyse climatic patterns.

Physical geographers specialise in hydrology, the study of the presence and distribution of water on the earth’s surface and in the atmosphere or in Geomorphology which studies the formation and development of landforms by the process of deposition and erosion or bio geography which studies the distribution of plants and animals at the world, regional and local scales.

Human Geography

Human geography is the study of the interaction of people with the environment, the historical, economic aspects as well as cartography and urban and regional planning.

Medical geographers

Medical geography is the study of health patterns . The study of salt field workers in Gujarat and their health requirements is an example of the work medical geographers may cover. The special areas of study encompass the impact of vegetation, minerals, water supply, climate and environment on life in the region.

Cartographers

Cartography is that branch of geography in which physical data is collected which is required for the preparation of maps.

Urban Geographers

Urban Geography covers urban development and deals with issues related to development. Urban geographers work on urban projects particularly assisting in the planning of residential locations, shopping areas, traffic related projects, as well as give advise regarding geographical location of industries to suit the facilities required by the unit.

Regional Geographers

Regional Geography encompasses in depth observations and recording of physical, cultural, economic and political data to enable an analysis of current regional situations.

Economic Geographers

Economic Geography involves recording economic and industrial activities of a region such as location of manufacturing industries, mining locations, farming activities, communication services, trade and marketing etc. This data is used by planners, businesses, transport developers etc.

Political geographers

Political geography is concerned with national and international frontiers and also the impact of natural resources and physical features to matters concerning local and regional affairs.

Geographic information systems

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) incorporates the use of computer graphics , computer programming, and communication technology for mapping, data accumulation and selective use of this data for analysing natural, cultural and economic information for making weather forecasts, emergency management and the use of physical resources.

GIS involves a systematic and scientific analysis and GIS programmers may work on new information systems and applications. Analysts collect data in the field and hand it over to GIS executives who scan and digitise them.

The first stage involves drawing a map in accordance with the data. The maps are then scanned and made “intelligent.” Typically, a map on paper looks flat and it is only when the data sheet is attached that it become intelligent. Maps that are in the Indian government archives like the Geographical Survey of India can be digitised by GIS. Data attached can be the length of a road, its width, the number of bus stops etc. Geographic Information Systems has emerged as a very important field in developed countries where e.g data regarding health can be used to identify the demographics of illnesses. GIS is used for planning public utilities, demography studies, environmental planning, natural resource monitoring and exploration, highway planning, collating and comparing census data, business telecommunication, radio transmission, roads, port management, railways, local administration, energy, agriculture, forestry, local administration etc.

Geographic Information Systems designers work as a team with professionals and scientists drawn from a number of fields there by increasing the job avenues to a vast array of related sectors.

Geographers & Geographic Information Systems Specialists - Study and Training

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.

The Importance of Studying Geography and Geology

The thinning of the ozone layer, the disposal of nuclear waste, homelessness, drug abuse, sea level rise and global warming, loss of biodiversity, the break-up of the Soviet Union, the break-up of the family. These are all critical problems facing the world today and none of them can be understood properly without an understanding of geography or geology.

The study of Geography at degree level encourages an understanding of physical and social processes in a variety of places and under varying environmental conditions. The concepts, skills, techniques and ways of thinking of the geographer enable students to understand the links between physical and social processes and the importance of place and space in creating major issues facing today's society. Many of the problems associated with the physical environment require geological understanding, such as the disposal of radioactive waste, coastal protection and landslides. How are nuclear sites chosen, for example? Is the geological soundness a paramount factor or do local politics or the nature of the local economy play a part in the decision making process? Why are problems such as homelessness, drug abuse and single parenthood most acute in inner city areas - and why some cities more than others? Why will some low lying countries such as Bangladesh suffer more from global warming than equally low lying countries such as the Netherlands? These questions and many others simply cannot be answered without an understanding of geography or geology.

Geographers and Geologists themselves have had a major impact on our society - from redrawing the boundaries of Europe after World War 1 (Halford McKinder) to advising Margaret Thatcher on her environmental policy (Sir Crispin Tickell) to becoming the first Vice-President of the United States of America to be actively concerned about environmental problems (Al Gore). Studying Geography and Geology prepares students for a wide range of careers in the private, public, academic and voluntary sectors. Recent graduates in Geography and Geology from Brunel University, for example, have taken up positions in a number of environmental agencies and non-governmental organisations, including the National Rivers Authority, Friends of the Earth, Council for the Protection of Rural England, the National Trust and the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. Others go on to Masters courses in more specialist areas, such as Countryside Management, Geographic Information Systems and Coastal Zone Management, or to study for higher degrees by research. In addition, Geography and Geology courses provide access to a broad range of general careers, such as administration and management, the police and the armed forces, marketing and sales and, of course, teaching has always been a popular destination for Geography and Geology graduates.

Both subjects embrace a broad range of approaches and sub-disciplines: Geography, for example, ranges for Social Geography which considers the way in which factors such as race, class, gender and disability are mediated through space whilst Development Studies will investigate the relationship between over developed and the under-developed countries and the impacts of this on the developing world. Conservation embraces ecology, biodiversity and environmental management whilst Physical Geography concentrates on the workings and evolution of natural environments (geomorphology, hydrology, biogeography and climatology) and as such, now lies at the heart of the debates relating to global environmental change, such as Global Warming, Acid Rain and Tropical Deforestation. Other areas covered by Geography include Environmental issues, Political and Economic Geography, the Cultural Landscape and Planning issues. The study of Geology ranges from the understanding of the nature of rocks, through "boot and hammer" work to the study of continental drift and the impact of other planetary bodies on Earth through the use of satellite imagery. Because of this wide range, most Geography and Geology courses welcome students from a wide range of backgrounds.

Since the study of geography and geology relates so closely to real world issues, teaching and learning takes place not only in the classroom but also in "the field". Fieldwork forms an important part of both degrees and takes place in a range of settings, from the local neighbourhood, where students may monitor pollution levels or assess the degree of accessibility for disabled people, to volcanoes where geologists will study land deformation to try to predict future eruptions. All university courses incorporate field visits using sites in the British Isles and, in some cases, overseas. Working in the field not only develops appropriate skills and techniques but also enables students to work effectively in teams - just one more reason that Geography and Geology graduates are so employable.

Geography Courses in the UK

A landscape of opportunity

Introduction
Geography is much more than precipitation cycles, podzolic soils, population pyramids and plate tectonics - it is the study of the relationships between the Earth's landscapes, people, places and environments. In short, geography helps us to understand and explain the complex world we live in. The important role of geographical knowledge in understanding current local and global issues, such as climate change and world trade, is increasingly recognised by governments and businesses. Furthermore, the specific skills and expertise gained by geography graduates make them highly prized by employers. HRH Prince William's recent decision to switch to a geography degree highlights the raised profile of geography - a subject, you could say, that is fit for a King!

What is geography?
Geography is unique in bridging the social sciences with the earth sciences. This is possible through its understanding of the dynamics of cultures, societies and economies (human geography) and its understanding of physical landscapes and environmental processes (physical geography). The great Antarctic explorer and hero of geographical endeavour Ernest Shackleton said about his brave expedition team; "Strength is in unity". Geography's strength comes from its ability to unite a kaleidoscope of knowledge from different disciplines - for example, ecology, geology, economics and politics - and to interpret the bigger picture within a spatial context Over the past century the subject has evolved from a simple descriptive science to a major applied science dealing with issues such as climate change, population trends, globalisation and resource management.

Who studies geography courses ?
Few disciplines cover such a broad range of elements as geography, making it appeal to people with a wide variety of interests. The geography courses appeal to those who are interested in understanding the world around them and to people concerned about the impact of humans on the physical environment. The range of transferable skills, such as team skills, decision-making, IT and communication skills, which are acquired during a geography degree makes it an attractive and sensible option for those who have yet to map out a clear career path. So, whether you have a desire to contribute to finding solutions to some of the world's most critical issues or whether you simply have a fascination for people and places, then geography may be the degree for you.

Where to study geography?
Britain is widely recognised as an international leader in geographical teaching and research in higher education. Research standards continue to improve and students benefit from the work of the National Subject Centre for Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, recently established to promote good learning and teaching practice.

When it comes to choosing where to study geography the options are vast. There are approximately 90 institutions in the UK offering geography courses (or courses with a large geographical component). Geography degrees can be classified as either BSc or BA, however, there is often little difference between the two in terms of content as both offer combinations of human, physical and environmental geography courses. Some students choose to specialise in either human geography or physical geography but others wish to retain a broader combination of the two. A small number of universities offer degree programmes specialising in physical or human geography.

Key geographical concepts are taught across all the institutions but due to the diverse nature of the discipline geography courses can vary enormously in content. Modules tend to be based around the research interests and specialisms of departmental staff. It is therefore particularly important to look at the research interests and course content in detail in order to decide which university course best suits your interests and career plans.

Compulsory subjects tend to have themes such as 'geographical methods and theory', 'environment and society' and 'information technology for geography'. Typical option modules range from subjects such as remote sensing and GIS to meteorology, environmental planning, geomorphological processes, world trade policy, geographies of race and gender, or economic and cultural development in Latin America.

Fieldwork is an appealing and integral part of most geography degrees. As well as providing a way of learning new skills and research techniques, this is where the textbooks really come to life! Britain offers a wealth of interesting fieldwork locations to study topics such as coastal erosion, urban regeneration and tourism. Fieldtrips outside of the UK may take you to places such as Spain to study European integration and regional identity or to the French Alps to study glacial processes. In addition to fieldtrips, the majority of degrees include a compulsory or optional dissertation. This can be an extremely rewarding element as you are expected to carry out an individual research project on a subject of your choice. Your dissertation can then be used as evidence of your work to show potential employers.

After university
The career options available to geography graduates is extremely wide-ranging. On graduating, your career path is likely to branch off in one of three general directions. Some graduates pursue jobs directly related to geography, such as in town and transport planning, land and water management, environmental consultancy, development policy, tourism or recreation. Others choose to use their skills in more generalist careers such as information technology, administration and management, the financial sector, and marketing. The third option is to continue with full-time study and training to develop a career in teaching or research, or to gain further qualifications for entry into more specialist professions.

Geography ranks third among the academic disciplines for the employability of its graduates. The intellectual, analytical and technical skills developed during a geography degree are highly sought after by employers in both the public and commercial sectors. Geographical data is prized, with government showing an ever-greater dependency on evidence-based and policy-relevant research. It is estimated that 80% of all data now collected has some geographical feature and those best placed to interpret this data are geographers.

The modern geographer
The stereotypical image of a geographer dressed in a fleecy anorak and corduroy trousers, preoccupied with quadrat surveys, map reading and memorising capital cities is a far cry from the reality of modern geographers. Although these stereotypes stem from the fact that fieldwork and knowledge of space and place are key elements of geographical learning, you would be hard-pushed to find a geographer colouring in maps. Instead, you are more likely to discover geographers using sophisticated computerised mapping techniques, such as remote sensing and Geographical Information Systems (GIS), to display and analyse data for deciding how best to distribute aid in Afghanistan or monitoring the impact that a change in land use has on an endangered species.

So, if you want to study a subject recently described by the British press as "painfully trendy", not to mention enjoyable, and wish to expand your career horizons at the same time, then why not embark on a three year voyage of discovery by opting for a geography degree.