Forensic Geomorphologists

I. JOB SUMMARY

Main Topic: Physical Geography
Secondary Topic: Environment and Society

Overview: Forensic geomorphologists are a type of forensic science technician who aid in criminal investigations through gathering and analyzing evidence part of a larger field of geo-forensics. Forensic science technicians work on crime scenes and in laboratories to record observations, collect evidence, reconstruct crime scenes, and run analysis on collected samples. Forensic geomorphologists specifically analyze the location of a crime scene focusing on surface and buried objects. They answer questions related to the environment of the crime through sampling or imaging rural scenes of crime and controlling the location as part of evidence. Forensic geomorphologist will work with law enforcement, lawyers, and local governments as well as testify in a court of law on criminal and civic legal matters. While the majority of forensic technicians work for local governments, forensic geomorphologists are more likely to work with organizations or specific laboratories. The field of forensics is set to grow in the next decade.

Geographers at work: Physical geographers, Environmental geographers, GIS and Remote Sensing Specialists, Geologists

Recommended College Courses: Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems, Advanced GIS, Remote Sensing, Introduction to Physical Geography, Environmental Management, Introduction in Environmental Geography, Climatology, Geomorphology, Regional Field Studies, Remote Sensing and Earth Observation, Location Analysis, GPS and GIS

Skills: GIS and remote sensing, Geospatial technology, LIDAR, Climate and weather forecasting, Quantitative methods, Environmental Mapping and modeling, Computer Programming, Field Methods, Location and landscape analysis

Occupation Group: Life, Physical, and Social Sciences

Learn more about Forensic Geomorphologists from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Department of Labor: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/forensic-science-technicians.htm#tab-2