15 Geography Interview Questions and Answers

Geography is a vast and interesting subject, and there are many different aspects to it. If you’re looking for a job in the field of geography, you’ll need to be prepared to answer some tough interview questions. In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how to prepare for a geography-related interview, so you can ace the interview and get the job you want.

1. What is geography?

This question is a basic one that an interviewer may ask to see if you have the necessary knowledge of what geography is. Geography is the study of the earth and its features, including physical, cultural and political aspects. You can answer this question by defining geography in your own words and giving examples of how it applies to everyday life.

Example: “Geography is the study of the earth and its features. It’s important because it helps us understand where we are in relation to other places on the planet. For example, I use geographic skills every time I drive to work or visit a new place. I also use them when I’m traveling abroad.”

2. Can you explain the different types of geography?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the different types of geography. It also allows you to show how you can apply this knowledge in your daily life and work.

Example: “There are three main types of geography, physical geography, human geography and regional geography. Physical geography focuses on the natural elements of the earth, such as landforms, climate and vegetation. Human geography looks at the interaction between humans and their environment. Regional geography studies specific areas or regions.”

3. How does climatology differ from meteorology?

Geography is a broad field that includes many different sub-fields. Interviewers may ask this question to see if you understand the differences between two related fields and how they apply your knowledge in real-world situations. In your answer, try to explain what each field entails and give an example of when you’ve used both skills in your work or studies.

Example: “Climatology is the study of climate, while meteorology is the study of weather. Climatologists look at long-term trends and patterns in weather data to predict future conditions. Meteorologists use climatological information to make short-term predictions about weather events like storms and hurricanes. I studied both meteorology and climatology in my undergraduate degree program, and I find it helpful to know both subjects when planning for outdoor activities.”

4. What are some common tools used in geography?

Geography is a field that uses many tools to complete projects. The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience using these tools and which ones you prefer. You can answer by naming several of the most common tools used in geography, such as:

GIS (geographic information systems)
Remote sensing
Cartography
Geodatabases
Example: “I’ve worked with all of these tools at some point during my career. I find GIS to be one of the most useful tools because it allows me to combine data from multiple sources into one system. It’s also easy to use once you learn how to navigate its interface. Remote sensing is another tool I like because it helps me collect data about an area without having to visit it. This saves time when I’m working on large projects.”

5. What are the main areas of focus for a geographer?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of the field and how you can apply it in your future role. Geography is an expansive subject, so you may want to narrow down your answer to two or three main areas that are most relevant to the job description.

Example: “Geographers study many different aspects of our world, including physical geography, human geography and cultural geography. Physical geography focuses on the earth’s surface, its landforms and natural resources. Human geography looks at the distribution of people across the globe and their interactions with each other and their environment. Cultural geography examines the ways humans use space to create meaning.”

6. Can you explain what environmental data science is?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the field and how you apply it. You can use this opportunity to show that you understand what environmental data science is, as well as how it’s used in geography.

Example: “Environmental data science is the process of collecting, analyzing and interpreting large amounts of data about the environment. It uses geographic information systems (GIS) to collect data from satellites, aerial photography and other sources. This allows researchers to analyze changes in the environment over time. For example, I worked with a team of scientists who wanted to know if there was an increase in the number of endangered species in certain areas. We collected data on where these animals were located and then analyzed the data using GIS software.”

7. What do you understand about GIS and spatial analysis?

Geography skills are often used in a variety of industries, and the interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience using GIS software. If you do, they may want to know how you use it and what your favorite features are. If you don’t have any experience with GIS, you can explain that you’re interested in learning more about it.

Example: “I’ve worked with GIS software before, but I’m always looking for new ways to improve my spatial analysis skills. In my last job, I was tasked with creating a map of all the locations where our company’s products were sold. Using GIS software, I was able to create an interactive map that allowed users to filter by state or country.”

8. What are some examples of geographic information systems (GIS) that already exist in use today?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of GIS and how it can be used in the real world. When answering this question, you should list as many examples as possible that you are familiar with. You may also want to explain what each example does or how it works.

Example: “There are several different types of GIS that already exist today. One type is spatial data infrastructures (SDIs), which are databases that store geographic information. Another type is geodatabases, which are large databases that contain both structured and unstructured data. A third type is desktop GIS, which is software that allows users to create maps and analyze data. Finally, there are online GIS, which are web-based applications that allow users to access data remotely.”

9. What’s the difference between human geography and physical geography?

This question tests your knowledge of the two main types of geography. Human geography focuses on how people interact with their environment, while physical geography is more about the natural world and its processes. Your answer should show that you understand the differences between these two fields and can apply them to real-world situations.

Example: “Human geography looks at the relationship between humans and their environments. It’s a social science that studies human populations, cultures, economies and politics in relation to their surroundings. Physical geography, on the other hand, is the study of the earth’s surface and its features. It’s an earth science that examines the planet’s landforms, climate, water resources and vegetation.”

10. Do you think there will be demand for physical geography expertise in the future? Why or why not?

This question is a great way for employers to assess your critical thinking skills and how you apply them to the field of geography. Your answer should show that you can analyze trends in the industry and make predictions about future needs.

Example: “I think there will always be demand for physical geography expertise because it’s such an important part of understanding our world. As technology advances, I expect we’ll need more geographers who are also tech experts so they can help develop new ways to gather data and solve problems. For example, I know some companies have already started using drones to map terrain and find resources. Geographers could use their knowledge of local conditions to ensure these drones don’t interfere with wildlife or other natural elements.”

11. What is cartography?

Cartography is the process of creating maps. Employers may ask this question to see if you know what cartography is and how it relates to geography. In your answer, try to explain what cartography is and why it’s important in a way that shows you understand its value as a skill.

Example: “Cartography is the process of making maps. It involves collecting data about an area, organizing it into a useful format and then presenting it on a map. Geographers use cartography skills to create accurate maps for many purposes, including navigation, research and business.”

12. What does it mean to be spatially aware?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of spatial awareness and how it applies to geography. Spatial awareness is the ability to understand where you are in relation to other objects, people or places. It’s important for geographers because they need to be able to navigate their surroundings while collecting data. In your answer, explain what spatially aware means and why it’s an important skill for geographers.

Example: “Spatially aware refers to one’s ability to know where they are in relation to other things. Geographers must have this skill so that they can collect accurate data about their surroundings. For example, if I’m studying the population density of a city, I’ll need to know exactly where each person lives so that I can accurately count them.”

13. What can you tell me about oceanography?

Oceanography is a subfield of geography that focuses on the study of oceans. Interviewers may ask this question to see if you have any experience with oceanography and how it relates to their company. In your answer, try to show that you understand what oceanographers do and why it’s important for them to do it.

Example: “Oceanography is the scientific study of all aspects of the ocean. Oceanographers use many different methods to learn about the ocean, including collecting data from satellites, conducting experiments in laboratories and studying marine life. Oceanography is an important field because it helps us better understand our planet and its resources.”

14. What are your thoughts about climate change?

Geographers study the earth’s climate and how it changes over time. Your answer to this question can show an interviewer your knowledge of a current topic in geography. You can use your answer to demonstrate that you are aware of the latest research on climate change, as well as your ability to apply critical thinking skills to analyze information.

Example: “I believe there is evidence that human activity has contributed to climate change. However, I also think we should be careful about making assumptions about what causes climate change without conclusive proof. In my last role, I worked with a team of geographers who were studying the effects of climate change on coastal areas. They found that while rising sea levels may have been caused by climate change, they could also be attributed to other factors like erosion.”

15. Is geography an exact science?

Geography is a social science, which means it’s not an exact science. However, this question tests your understanding of the field and how you apply its principles to real-world situations. Your answer should show that you understand the difference between hard sciences like physics and soft sciences like geography.

Example: “Geography is a social science, so it’s not as exact as a hard science like physics. Geographers use scientific methods to collect data and make predictions about human behavior and natural phenomena. For example, I might predict that a certain type of plant will grow in a specific climate based on my research. Then, I can test my prediction by planting the plant in different climates to see if it grows.”