• Cartography and Geographic Information Systems. Geographers work as cartographers in business, government, and the military. They compile, design, and edit maps using both conventional and computer-assisted techniques. Using Geographic Information Systems they analyze maps to solve problems ranging from determining the most efficient route for a fire truck to discovering the best location for a sawmill in a developing country.

• Teaching. The demand for teachers of geography and earth science at the elementary and secondary level is increasing. Teaching in higher education usually requires a M.A. or Ph.D.

• Planning and Economic Development. Geographers work for planning agencies or firms. Their concerns include: land use, zoning, environmental impact, economic development, and the provisioning of health care. These jobs are in both the public and private sector.
• Location Analysis and Marketing. Some geographers are trained to evaluate sites for the location of a variety of activities. The facilities they might locate include: solid waste disposal sites, shopping centers, industrial plants, or fast food franchises. Others trained in these fields work for transportation companies to help plan routes and schedules.
• Tourism. Geographers work to evaluate and market sites for tourism development programs. Opportunities for employment are found in the travel industry and public tourism development agencies.
• International Affairs and Trade. Geographers who develop an expertise in foreign areas work as regional experts for business and government. The intelligence community employs a large number of geographers.
• Environmental and Atmospheric Studies. Geographers trained in the physical realm work in positions related to environmental concerns. They may do environmental impact studies, map soil quality, study acid rain, or assess the potential impacts of severe weather.

updated 11/8/03