Definition and branches of Geography

1. FUNDAMENTALS OF
GEOGRAPHY
GEO-103
Lesson -1
By: Ayesha Khan
Dept. of Geography.

2. DEFINITION OF GEOGRAPHY
Its derived from two Greek words “geo” means Earth
and “graphy” to describe or study
Thus Geography literally means “earth description”
The first person to use the word “geography” was
Eratosthenes (276–194 BC).
It is a science of spatial variation of cultural and
physical phenomena over the globe.

3. DEFINITION OF GEOGRAPHY
According to Bowman, “Geography tells what is where,
why and what it is made of”
According to Richard Hartschorne “Geography is a
discipline that seeks to describe and interpret the
variable character from place to place of earth as the
world of man”
Vidal de la blache defines Geography as the science of
places.
As per Griffith Taylor opinion “Geography is the
correlative science”
According to David Harvey “Geography is concerned
with the description and explanation of the areal
differentiation of earths surface” 3

4. MAJOR- BRANCHES:
Physical Geography
Study of earths physical features and changes on the
earth's surface
Human Geography
Human Geography concentrates on the patterns of
human settlements, human activities and their relations
with the environment.

6. Astronomical Geography
Its is the part of mathematical geography that treats the
earth in its relation to the other celestial bodies in the
solar system. Astronomical geography thus studies the
earth as a planet with its shape, size, imaginary lines of
latitude and longitude, time zones, and the earth's diurnal
and annual motions (yearly calendar and seasons).
Geomorphology
Geomorphology is basically the scientific study of physical
features of landforms.
Climatology
Climatology is thus a science which deals with the
atmosphere various changes that take place in the
atmosphere due to temperature, humidity and
atmospheric pressure and so the formation of various
PHYSICAL
GEOGRAPHY

7. Oceanography
It is related to the study of oceans i.e. temperature,
salinity of the ocean water, relief of the ocean floor,
movements of the ocean water, tides, ocean currents etc.
Hydrology
It is a study of earth’s surface and subsurface water bodies
found in the form of oceans, rivers, glaciers, lakes, seas,
underground water and water vapour in the atmosphere.
Biogeography
It is a study of factors responsible for evolution and spatial
uneven distribution of various species (plants and animals
/ flora and fauna) found on the earth.
Soil Geography
It helps to understand the soil formation, its nature (
structure and texture), types and distribution on the earth.

8. 1. Population Geography
Population Geography is the study of the population in a
particular terrain. The study focuses on the growth of the
population and how it is distributed and composed. This
branch also studies factors responsible for various
patterns of spatial distribution and location of population
on the earth’s surface.
2. Settlement Geography
Settlement geography explains the evolution and growth
of rural and urban settlements in relation to their site and
situation; their structure and pattern, nature of functions.
3. Economic Geography
This branch explains us about spatial distribution and
concentration of different types of economic activities
influenced by physical factors and practiced by man based
HUMAN GEOGRAPHY

9. 4. Regional Geography
Its a branch of geography that takes into account the
homogeneous physical characteristics of an area to
designate it as a region. Thus various regions are formed
by taking into consideration its climate, relief, drainage,
natural vegetation and population that determines
unique characteristics for forming a particular region.
5. Cultural Geography
This branch studies various traditional customs and
traits of a community which is reflected in their life-
style, dressing pattern, food- habits, religious rituals
and ceremonies, fairs and festivals, arts and
architecture, language, and the type of occupation
practiced by them and the nature of governance over the
space.
This spatial distribution and variation of different
cultures are studied as cultural regions in this branch of
geography which have evolved over a period of time due
to different experiences, need and interactions.

10. 6. Historical Geography
Its a branch of geography that takes into
account the geographical and human
factors and processes responsible for
the happening of different historical acts
and events in the space over a period of
time.
7. Political Geography
Political geography is a branch of
Human Geography which deals with
human governments and divides the
land between different political units.

11. INTERFACE GEOGRAPHY
A Geographical User Interface (GUI) is a type of user
interface that uses geographic data to provide a visual
representation of data and enable users to interact with it.
Thematic Cartography
is a science of preparing maps and diagrams involving field
survey with specific themes representing the spatial
distribution of the phenomenon under study; for example
spatial distribution of population density in the world,
distribution of rainfall etc.
Computer Cartography
Thematic maps and graphs prepared by adopting
quantitative and qualitative data analysis using specialized
software’s in a computer are called as computer
cartography.

12. Dot Density
Map
Isopleth Maps

13. Remote Sensing
Remote sensing may be defined a collection of data
about an object from a distance. For example aircraft
provides with aerial photographs, space satellites
provide with satellite imagery. These have specific
uses such as information about weather phenomenon,
security purpose, identified the areas affected with
flood/ drought/ earthquake, landslide, landuse, study
of natural resource etc.
Quantitative Geography
The application of mathematical and statistical
concepts and methods to the study of geography.
Quantitative Geography is thus an empirical study of
spatial phenomenon found on the earth surface that
helps in determining certain scientific principles and
laws.

14. Geography of Health
Health geography is the application of geographical
information with spatial perspectives and methods to the
study of health, disease, and health care of any area.
Environmental Geography
Is a branch of geography that studies how physical and
human environment are interacting with each other to
produce different landuse and its effect on the nature
environment and on living species.
Geographical Information System (G.I.S.)
G.I.S. is the use of sophisticated computer hardware and
software to collect, store, operate and process the
geographic data. G.I.S. technology today is highly
utilized in the field of integrated development planning
such as, water resource management, water-shed
management, environmental monitoring and
assessment, landscape conservation, telecommunication
and network analysis, defence and military planning
operations.

15. PURPOSE OF GEOGRAPHY

16. PURPOSE OF GEOGRAPHY
The main purpose of geography and
geographers is to see and understand
patterns in our world.
To determine patterns geographers
work in environmental managements,
education, disaster response, city and
county planning and much more.
The Geo-Techniques give us
powerful tools to help solve the
world’s problems.

18. PURPOSE OF GEOGRAPHY
Geography studies
interaction between
man and his
environment,
Some questions that
geographers answer
where things are on
the Earth, why, how
places are different
from one another and
how do humans affect
the environment.
As a synthesizing
discipline it gives us
the flexibility to study
any interesting
subject through the
lens of the spatial
perspective.
Geology
Economics
GEOGRAPHY
Economic
Geography

19. SCOPE OF GEOGRAPHY
Every subject in the world having 2 types of
scope
Material Scope:
The subjects in a course of study or teaching
Field Scope:
Geography careers offers opportunities to
develop solutions to some of the most pressing
issues for modern society including climate
change, natural disasters, overpopulation, urban
expansion and multicultural integration.

20. MATERIAL SCOPE

21. FIELD SCOPE
The career path you choose may depend on
whether you have studied physical geography or
human geography.
The former is a natural science, focusing on the
Earth's physical materials and processes. while
the latter is a social science. focusing on issues
relating to human communities and cultures
Whatever career path you pursue, it's advisable
to try and get work experience in your chosen
field, to gain an awareness of the roles available
and to form contacts.
Fieldwork is a useful way of developing your
practical skills and gaining hands-one
experience. Your university may also provide you

22. CARTOGRAPHER
Careers in cartography involve developing and
producing different types of maps. as well as
producing related diagrams. Charts,
spreadsheets and travel guides.
Your role as a cartographer may also include
the restoration of old maps and historical
documents.
Cartographers work within a variety of areas.
including publishing. government, surveying
and conservation.
Today the field commonly also draws on an
array of advanced technologies, such as

23. ENVIRONMENTAL
CONSULTANTS
Environmental consultants give advice on
environmental matters. They work on areas
such as the effects of new developments on the
environment, the control of pollution and noise,
the effects of agriculture or recreation on plants
and wildlife, the effect of climate change and
waste management and recycling.
This is a varied role, typically focusing on
identifying whether an area of land, air or water
is polluted, and what the impact would be, by
means of desk-based research and field work.

24. TOWN PLANNER
As a town planner, you may deal with the management
and development not only of towns, but also cities,
villages and rural areas.
You will put your analytical skills and knowledge of the
environment into use to improve existing infrastructure
and find solutions to environmental issues as well as
ensuring new developments are in line with various
policies and regulations.
 A part of your job will he to satisfy the needs of
businesses and local communities while ensuring that
development is sustainable and natural environments are
maximally preserved.

25. GEOGRAPHICAL
INFORMATION SYSTEMS
OFFICER
Geographic information systems (GIS) are
computerized systems used for the collection,
storage, analysis, management and
presentation of complicated geographical data.
Geographical information systems officers
carry out the gathering and examination of
geographical data.
The data can be applied in a variety of areas,
such as defense meteorology, oil, gas,
telecommunications and transportation, to
make decisions which benefit the environment.

26. CONSERVATION OFFICER
If you are passionate about the environment and want to
encourage others to appreciate and safeguard the
natural world. you might like to become a conservation
officer
In this career you will work to protect a natural
environment and raise awareness of the ways in which
the local community can enjoy its settings without having
a negative impact.
Similarly, a sustainable development officer would
promote their particular employer's sustainability
practices in the local area.
To increase your chances of pursuing this career it is
essential to gain some relevant work experience, through
paid or voluntary work, and a master's degree is