geographer

A geographer is a professional who studies the distribution of phenomena on the Earth's surface and how they are spatially organized. The discipline combines physical, human, and environmental aspects to understand places, regions, and landscapes, as well as the processes that shape them over time. Geographers analyze where things are, why they are located there, and how they interact across space.

Geographers use a range of methods, including field observation, cartography, spatial analysis, geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and qualitative techniques. Subfields include physical geography (climate, landforms, ecosystems) and human geography (population, culture, economy, urban and regional planning). Geographic information science focuses on data management and analysis of spatial data. Applications include planning, natural resource management, environmental assessment, and disaster risk reduction.

Education and training: a bachelor’s degree in geography or a related field is common, with advanced degrees for research or advanced practice. Skills typically include mapmaking, spatial analysis, data interpretation, critical thinking, and clear communication. Geographers work in academia, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private industry, often collaborating with policymakers, planners, scientists, and the public.

The term geography derives from Greek ge, "earth", and graphein, "to write".