Describe three careers for Geographers. Which one interests you the most and why? Read the careers of Geographers down below Thinking Geographically Map-making. Predicting weather patterns and big storms. Investigating the way water moves through Earth. Planning for disasters. Using computer models to shape cities or assess environmental problems. Geography is a diverse subject that offers a variety of career choices. Geographers work in almost all areas of life, and they have the opportunity to work outside or in an office. Cartographer How do you find information and make it fit together? That’s one question asked by cartographers. Cartographers are people who make paper and digital maps using a mix of geography, computers, and art. Maps can include physical geography, such as mountains or rivers, and human geography, such as transportation systems or cities. Other information, such as industries, climate trends, or population facts can also be described on a map. Cartographers are trained in geography, but many also study computer science and graphics. They work in a variety of places, such as governments and private businesses. Climatologist Are you interested in the cause and effect of storms, fires, or floods? Climatologists study long-term climate and weather patterns. They use geographic information such as water, temperature, and air quality to understand weather over years, decades, or even centuries. Climatologists can help research both local climate concerns as well as bigger global issues. For example, climatologists might study a pattern of fires in one specific place. They might study unusual changes to ocean water temperature. Climatologists are also interested in patterns of cooling and heating that occur around the globe, known as climate change. Geospatial Analyst What about a career that combines computing and geography? Geospatial analysts use computer software called geographic information systems (GIS). They study photographs, paper or digital maps, satellite data, global positioning system (GPS) coordinates, and environmental samples. They then produce detailed maps and reports with GIS software. Their work helps people and governments consider issues such as planning for disasters or building new roads or communities. They also can help detect where population growth is rising, to manage new construction and identify and protect sensitive environments or animal habitats. Hydrologist If you’ve ever wondered how much rain it takes for a river to flood or how a cave was formed, you’ve thought about the work of a hydrologist. Hydrologists study all the ways water moves across and within Earth. Hydrologists collect and measure water samples and water flow. Computer models allow them to predict future water supplies and study how a pollution spill or a flood can affect the quantity and quality of water. Meteorologist Besides looking out the window, how can we find out what the weather will do next? A meteorologist studies and predicts weather patterns, and reports on how they might affect our lives. By using computer models, meteorologists develop local weather forecasts. These forecasts may help people plan daily activities and warn of challenging weather such as heat spells or flooding, tornadoes or hurricanes. While we often see meteorologists as television broadcasters, there are many more who work behind the scenes, often for government agencies. Soil Conservationist Would you like a geography career that gets you outside and dealing with nature? Soil conservationists work to keep soils healthy. They often spend a great deal of time working outside, collecting soil and water samples. They use geographic information to help figure out the best way to solve issues such as erosion or how to protect wildlife habitats. They develop plans to conserve soil and improve water quality by suggesting methods such as rotating crops or planting more trees.