Geographers study physical and cultural characteristics of land and the people who live there.

Geographers consider physical aspects of a given area. The area could be on a local, regional, continental, or global scale.

Geographers also create and modify maps using geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and global positioning systems (GPS). They gather data through observations, maps, photos, and other means.

Geographers write reports and make presentations of their research findings. Some geographers teach at the college or university level.

There are several specialties in geography:

Physical geography

Physical geographers look at the physical aspects of a region. They collect data on land features, climates, and soil as well as the animals and plants that live there.

Human geography

Human (or cultural) geographers study people and how they adapt to the physical environment. They take into consideration political, societal, and economic factors.

Human geographers may specialize in one area:

• Economic geography
• Environmental geography
• Medical geography
• Political geography
• Regional geography
• Urban geography