Map and Fieldwork Skills » Geographical investigation methods

What you'll learn this session

Study time: 30 minutes

Different geographical investigation methods for fieldwork
How to collect primary and secondary data
Techniques for sampling and data collection
Methods for recording and presenting geographical data
How to evaluate the effectiveness of different fieldwork methods

Introduction to Geographical Investigation Methods

Fieldwork is a crucial part of geography that allows us to collect data about the real world. It's like being a detective - you gather clues (data) to help you understand geographical patterns and processes. Good fieldwork helps you answer geographical questions and test your ideas about how the world works.

Key Definitions:

Fieldwork: The collection of primary data outside the classroom through first-hand observation and measurement.
Primary data: Information you collect yourself through direct observation or measurement.
Secondary data: Information that has already been collected by someone else.
Quantitative data: Numerical information that can be measured and counted.
Qualitative data: Descriptive information based on opinions, judgments and observations.

📊 Primary Data Collection

Data you collect yourself in the field:

Measurements (e.g., river depth, temperature)
Counts (e.g., pedestrian numbers, traffic)
Questionnaires and interviews
Field sketches and photographs
Land use mapping

📚 Secondary Data Collection

Data collected by others that you can use:

Maps and satellite images
Census data and government statistics
Weather records
Historical documents
Published research and reports

Sampling Techniques

When conducting fieldwork, it's often impossible to measure everything. Sampling helps you collect a manageable amount of data that still represents the wider area or population.

🗺 Random Sampling

Locations or people are selected completely by chance.

Example: Using random number generators to select houses to survey in a neighbourhood.

Good for: Avoiding bias, representing large areas.

🗺 Systematic Sampling

Data collected at regular intervals.

Example: Taking measurements every 10 metres along a river or surveying every 5th person.

Good for: Covering an area evenly, showing changes over distance.

🗺 Stratified Sampling

Dividing the population into groups and sampling from each.

Example: Ensuring you survey equal numbers of different age groups or people from different parts of a city.

Good for: Ensuring representation of different sub-groups.

Physical Geography Investigation Methods

These methods are used to study natural environments and processes like rivers, coasts, weather and ecosystems.

River and Coastal Studies

Rivers and coasts are dynamic environments that can be measured using various techniques:

💧 River Measurements

Flow velocity: Using a flow meter or timing a floating object over a set distance.
Channel width: Measuring the distance between the banks with a tape measure.
Channel depth: Using a measuring rod at regular intervals across the channel.
Bedload analysis: Measuring the size and shape of stones on the river bed.
Cross-sectional area: Calculating width × average depth.

🌊 Coastal Measurements

Beach profile: Using a clinometer and tape measure to record the shape of a beach.
Sediment analysis: Measuring the size and shape of beach material.
Wave counts: Counting the number of waves breaking in a set time period.
Longshore drift: Tracking the movement of marked pebbles or using a float.
Cliff recession: Comparing maps and photos from different time periods.

Weather and Microclimate Studies

Weather studies involve measuring atmospheric conditions:

Temperature: Using thermometers at different locations or heights.
Wind speed and direction: Using an anemometer and wind vane.
Precipitation: Using a rain gauge to measure rainfall.
Air pressure: Using a barometer.
Humidity: Using a hygrometer or wet and dry bulb thermometers.

Human Geography Investigation Methods

These methods help us understand how people interact with places and each other.

Urban Studies

Urban studies investigate how towns and cities function and change:

🌇 Land Use Mapping

Recording the function of buildings (residential, commercial, industrial, etc.) on a base map. This helps identify patterns and zones within urban areas.

Method: Walk around an area and colour-code buildings on a map according to their use.

🗺 Environmental Quality Surveys

Assessing the quality of the urban environment using a scoring system.

Method: Create a checklist of factors (litter, graffiti, green space, etc.) and score each factor at different locations.

🗺 Pedestrian/Traffic Counts

Counting the number of people or vehicles passing a point in a set time period.

Method: Stand at a location and count pedestrians or vehicles for 5-10 minutes. Repeat at different times of day.

🗺 Questionnaires and Interviews

Gathering opinions and information directly from people.

Method: Prepare a set of questions and approach people to answer them. Ensure questions are clear and unbiased.

Case Study Focus: Urban Microclimate Investigation

A school in Manchester investigated how building materials affect urban temperatures. Students measured temperatures at 10 locations across the city centre at the same time on a summer day.

Methods used:

Digital thermometers to record air temperature 1m above ground
Land use mapping to record building materials and vegetation
Photography to document each site
Systematic sampling along a transect from the city centre to suburbs

Findings: Temperatures were up to 3°C higher in areas with more concrete and less vegetation, demonstrating the urban heat island effect.

Recording and Presenting Fieldwork Data

Once you've collected your data, you need to record and present it clearly:

📊 Maps and GIS

Maps help show spatial patterns in your data.

Examples: Choropleth maps, dot maps, land use maps, flow maps.

📈 Graphs and Charts

Visual representations of numerical data.

Examples: Bar charts, line graphs, scatter graphs, pie charts, radial graphs.

📷 Visual Records

Images that capture what you observed.

Examples: Field sketches, annotated photographs, videos, satellite imagery.

Evaluating Fieldwork Methods

It's important to think about the strengths and limitations of your methods:

✅ Reliability

Would you get the same results if you repeated the investigation?

Improve by:

Using standardised methods
Taking multiple readings
Using calibrated equipment
Collecting data at the same time of day

✅ Validity

Does your method actually measure what you want it to measure?

Improve by:

Choosing appropriate methods for your research question
Using a suitable sample size
Reducing bias in questionnaires
Triangulating data from different sources

Fieldwork Safety and Ethics

Always consider safety and ethical issues when planning fieldwork:

Risk assessment: Identify potential hazards and plan to minimise risks.
Weather conditions: Check forecasts and prepare appropriate clothing.
Permission: Get consent before entering private property or taking photographs.
Anonymity: Respect people's privacy in questionnaires and interviews.
Environmental impact: Minimise disruption to habitats and ecosystems.

Top Tips for Successful Fieldwork

Always have a clear research question or hypothesis to investigate.
Plan your methodology carefully before going into the field.
Bring spare equipment and batteries.
Record your data clearly and systematically.
Take photographs to help you remember the site.
Consider how weather or time of day might affect your results.
Always work in groups and follow safety guidelines.