An emphasis is on the comparative location of different countries and the relation of their people to those from another country. Oftentimes a descriptive approach is used to understand various cultures, including ethnic distributions, political organizations, and economic activities. Geographers can also consult with governments or international organizations on economic exploitation of regions and on determinations of ethnic and natural boundaries between nations. From a physical science perspective, geographers conduct research on physical and climatic aspects of regions and landforms and survey soils, plants, and animals within an area. Geographers integrate their findings with other specialties such as geology, oceanography, meteorology, and biology.
Some geographers construct and draw maps.
Abilities vary depending on the specialization. Understanding spatial relations and recognizing shapes and sizes are needed in mapmaking or photo interpretation. Language skills and making judgments from data are required for decision making. Thinking from a global perspective, instead of analyzing from concrete evidence that is immediately available, is a skill that some individuals may not yet have developed. The values of geographers include a research orientation, working with one's mind, and possibly analyzing computer data.