When the Society was founded in 1830, one of its declared aims was to "to advance Geography so that it might attain the rank of science" – a rank it had already achieved in some other European countries. Although the British were such dedicated explorers at that time, they were not dedicated geographers.

The subject was not taught at either schools or universities. It was not until the end of the 19th century that geography became established in our education system thanks to the work of the Society and others.

Today geography is one of the most popular subjects at UK schools, outside of the subjects made compulsory by the Government such as maths and science. It is also thriving in universities. The last official review of UK research in universities (the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise) found geographical research in universities thriving, with over 1100 category A staff.

The panel overseeing geography  noted "considerable strength of
research activity“ (Report of the Geography Panel, 2008 RAE).

Geographers and geographical research outside of formal education and the academy – in the public, private and voluntary sectors - is also in a very strong state. 

Geographers are highly employable and work in a wide range of sectors. Geographical information has also never been more important. The Ordnance Survey (OS), for instance, has co-coordinated a Pan-Government Agreement on Geographical Information Science - a sort of digital mapping -  for all departments and agencies.  GIS is now a key public-sector decision-making tool and there are over 200 public organisations that have signed the agreement.