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examBoard: Cambridge
examType: IGCSE
lessonTitle: Fieldwork Equipment Selection and Use
Fieldwork is a crucial part of geography that allows you to collect primary data outside the classroom. Having the right equipment and knowing how to use it properly is essential for gathering accurate data during your geographical investigations.
Key Definitions:
The right equipment helps you collect reliable data that can be analysed to draw valid conclusions. Poor equipment choices can lead to inaccurate results and weaken your entire investigation. Remember that different geographical enquiries require different tools!
Fieldwork equipment falls into several categories: measuring tools, recording devices, sampling equipment, mapping tools and safety gear. Each serves a specific purpose in your geographical investigation.
These tools help you measure and record atmospheric conditions during your fieldwork.
Use: Measures air temperature in degrees Celsius.
Technique: Hold in shade at chest height, away from your body heat. Wait 2 minutes before recording.
Use: Measures wind speed in km/h or m/s.
Technique: Hold at arm's length above head. Face the cups into the wind and record after 30 seconds.
Use: Measures rainfall in millimetres.
Technique: Place on flat ground away from buildings and trees. Check at the same time each day.
These tools are essential for studying water environments and their characteristics.
Use: Measures river velocity in m/s.
Technique: Submerge the propeller facing upstream. Hold steady for 30 seconds and record the reading.
Use: Measures slope angles in degrees.
Technique: Look through the viewfinder at your target. Read the angle where the bubble or pointer settles.
Use: Measures the size of pebbles/sediment.
Technique: Place the callipers around the longest axis of the pebble and read the measurement in mm.
These tools help you investigate soil properties and land characteristics.
Soil auger: Extracts soil samples from different depths. Push into the ground while twisting and pull up carefully.
pH testing kit: Measures soil acidity/alkalinity. Mix soil with distilled water, add indicator and compare colour to chart.
Infiltration rings: Measures how quickly water soaks into soil. Push ring into soil, pour measured water, time how long it takes to disappear.
Pedestrian counter: Counts people passing a point. Use clicker to count each person passing your position.
Decibel meter: Measures noise levels. Hold at arm's length, away from noise sources like your group.
Environmental quality survey sheets: Records observations about an area's condition using predefined criteria.
These tools help you record your findings and map your study area accurately.
Smartphone/tablet: For photos, GPS locations and digital forms.
GPS device: Records precise locations using satellite technology.
Digital camera: Captures visual evidence of geographical features.
Field notebook: For written observations and sketches.
Data collection sheets: Pre-designed forms for consistent recording.
Voice recorder: For verbal notes when writing is impractical.
Compass: Determines direction using magnetic north.
Ranging poles: Marks points and helps measure distances.
Tape measure/trundle wheel: Measures distances accurately.
Choosing appropriate equipment depends on your investigation question, study area and available resources. Consider these factors when selecting your fieldwork tools:
A Year 11 class investigated how river characteristics changed downstream at the River Bradshaw in northern England. They selected equipment based on their hypothesis that velocity, depth and sediment size would change from source to mouth.
Equipment used:
Their careful equipment selection allowed them to collect reliable data that confirmed their hypothesis - velocity increased downstream while pebble size decreased, matching geographical theory.
Having the right equipment is only the first step. Using it correctly ensures your data is reliable and valid.
Before heading out to the field, ensure you:
Safety should always be your priority during fieldwork. Some equipment requires special handling or presents specific hazards.
Always include these safety items with your fieldwork kit:
Selecting and using the right fieldwork equipment is essential for successful geographical investigations. By understanding what each tool measures, how to use it correctly and how to record data accurately, you'll be able to collect reliable information that supports your geographical enquiry. Remember that practice makes perfect - the more familiar you are with your equipment, the more confident and accurate your fieldwork will be.
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