How to Be Historical Geographer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 26, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The historical geographer is an important figure in the research of historical geography. Their role is to analyze the physical and human geography of the past and present, and to understand how the two factors have interacted with each other over time. By studying historical patterns, geographers are able to identify causes and effects of past events, thus providing valuable insight into the development of human societies.

For example, historical geographers are able to identify how the movement of people and goods through cities, countries, or continents has shaped their physical landscapes, or how changes in climate have impacted the way people interact with the environment. Furthermore, historical geographers are able to draw connections between the past and present, helping us to better understand the present by learning from the mistakes of the past.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelors Degree. The first step to becoming a historical geographer is to earn a bachelors degree in geography, history, or a related field. Many colleges and universities offer degree programs in these fields, and they can provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career as a historical geographer.
Complete a Masters Degree. A masters degree in geography or history is recommended for those interested in becoming a historical geographer. This degree program should include courses in geographic information systems, historical geography, and fieldwork.
Pursue a Doctoral Degree. In order to become a historical geographer, you will need to pursue a doctoral degree in geography or history. This degree program should include courses in advanced geographic information systems, research methods, and fieldwork.
Obtain Certification. Although certification is not required to become a historical geographer, it can be beneficial in helping you to stand out in the job market. The American Geographers Association offers certification in the field of historical geography.
Get Experience. After completing your educational requirements, you can begin to look for jobs as a historical geographer. Internships and volunteer opportunities are great ways to gain experience in the field, and they can provide you with valuable references for future job prospects.
Network. It is important to network with other professionals in the field of historical geography. Joining professional organizations can help you to stay current on trends and news in the field, and it can also help you to connect with potential employers.

The development of the historical geographer has been a cause and effect process. As people have become more aware of the importance of understanding the past, they have looked for ways to apply this knowledge to the present. This has led to an increased demand for reliable and capable historical geographers.

In response, universities have added classes and departments dedicated to the field, and research institutions have provided additional resources to support the field. advances in digital technology have enabled the creation of more sophisticated mapping tools, allowing historical geographers to uncover and analyze data more quickly and efficiently than ever before. As a result, historical geographers are now better equipped to uncover the underlying causes of events and trends that shaped the world we live in today.

You may want to check Historical Preservation Specialist, Genealogical Historian, and Historian Educator for alternative.

Job Description

Geographic Information Systems Analyst: Analyze geographic data, develop and maintain geographic data systems, and create visual representations of geographic information.
Cartographer: Create maps that accurately represent geographic features, using a variety of computer-aided design tools.
Remote Sensing Analyst: Collect and analyze satellite imagery to identify and map land features, changes in land use, and other geographic features.
Historical Geographer: Study the impact of past events on current geographic features and land use patterns, and use this information to interpret and analyze historical trends.
Geospatial Scientist: Research and analyze geographic data, develop models to predict changes in land use patterns, and interpret the results to inform decision-making.
GIS Developer: Design and develop computer programs to enable the collection and analysis of geographic data.
Urban Planner: Develop comprehensive plans for urban development, considering social, economic, and environmental factors.
Environmental Consultant: Analyze the potential effects of development on the environment and provide recommendations to minimize negative impacts.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of historical geography and its application to the study of past societies
Analytical and research skills for understanding and interpreting geographic data
Ability to work with a variety of geographic software programs
Knowledge of cartography, GIS and remote sensing techniques
Ability to interpret spatial patterns, trends and relationships
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Proficiency in using archival records, government documents and other primary sources
Understanding of the social, economic, political and cultural influences on past societies
Ability to draw conclusions and make recommendations based on geographical evidence
A familiarity with quantitative methods used in the analysis of geographic data

Historical geographers are essential for understanding the past and present of the world. They analyze and interpret the physical and human features of a region or landscape, and investigate how they have changed over time. To be successful in this field, having a comprehensive knowledge of geography, history, and social science is paramount.

Being able to interpret maps, data, and other visual information is also crucial. having strong quantitative and analytical skills is a must. Furthermore, an understanding of relevant policies and regulations is necessary to successfully interpret the effects of the environment on societies.

All of these skills are required to effectively interpret the interactions between the physical environment and its people.

Museum Historian, Military Historian, and Genealogical Researcher are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What motivated you to pursue a career in historical geography?
How would you describe the distinguishing features of historical geography?
What experience do you have in researching and analyzing historical data?
What techniques do you use to evaluate the accuracy of historical information?
How have advances in technology influenced your work as a historical geographer?
What challenges have you faced when interpreting and synthesizing geographical data from different eras?
How have you used GIS or other mapping programs to visualize historical trends?
How have you incorporated cultural and social factors into your historical geographic research?
What strategies do you employ to effectively communicate the findings of your research?
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest trends in historical geography?

Common Tools in Industry

GIS Software. GIS software is used to create, analyze, and visualize geographic data. (e. g. ArcGIS, QGIS, GRASS GIS).
Digital Mapping Software. Digital mapping software is used to create, modify, and analyze digital maps. (e. g. MapInfo, MapSurfer).
Historical Maps. Historical maps are used to study the changes in geographic features over time. (e. g. U. S. Geological Survey Historical Topographic Maps).
Aerial Photography. Aerial photography is used to view an area from a unique perspective and to study the changes in land use and land cover over time. (e. g. DigitalGlobe, Google Earth).
Census Data. Census data is used to analyze population trends over time and to investigate the socio-economic characteristics of a given region. (e. g. U. S. Census Bureau).
Remote Sensing. Remote sensing is the process of acquiring information about an object or area from a distance using sensors or imaging technology. (e. g. Google Earth Engine).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association of Geographers (AAG)
Association of American Geographers (AAG)
International Geographical Union (IGU)
British Society for Historical Geography (BSHG)
European Association of Historical Geographers (EAHG)
International Cartographic Association (ICA)
International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM)
National Council for Geographic Education (NCGE)
Society for American Archaeology (SAA)
Society for Historical Archaeology (SHA)

We also have Documentary Historian, Family Historian, and Forensic Historian jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Cartography. The practice of making maps.
GIS. Geographic Information Systems, a technology used to store, analyze, and display geographic data.
Historical Geography. The study of the physical, cultural, and political landscapes of the past.
Demography. The study of populations, including their size, growth, density, and distribution.
Topography. The study of the shape and features of land surfaces.
Remote Sensing. The use of aerial photography and satellite imagery to monitor and analyze land and water surfaces.
Spatial Analysis. The use of statistical and mathematical techniques to examine the spatial relationships between different features and areas.
Environment and Society. The study of how human activities interact with and affect the natural environment.
Political Geography. The study of how the spatial distribution of political power affects the physical and cultural landscape.
Cultural Geography. The study of how human cultures interact with the physical landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of Historical Geography?

The primary focus of Historical Geography is to study the spatial patterns, processes, and changes of the human population and environment over time.

What types of data do Historical Geographers analyze?

Historical Geographers analyze a variety of data sources such as historical documents, maps, census records, archaeological artifacts, and oral histories.

What are some major topics studied by Historical Geographers?

Major topics studied by Historical Geographers include migration patterns, urbanization, political borders, cultural identities, and environmental changes.

How has technology changed the practice of Historical Geography?

Technology has enabled Historical Geographers to analyze larger datasets and more complex patterns than ever before. Geographic Information System (GIS) technology has been particularly useful in exploring past relationships between people and the environment.

What types of careers utilize the knowledge of Historical Geography?

Careers that utilize the knowledge of Historical Geography include Cultural Resource Management, Urban Planning, Archaeology, and Environmental Policy Analysis.

Web Resources

Historical Geography - Nebraska Journals nebraskapressjournals.unl.edu
(PDF) Historical Geographer | Abdool Cader KALLA - Academia.edu www.academia.edu
Historical geographer uses technology to examine sfi.usc.edu