This document discusses systems approach in geography. It defines a system as a set of interrelated elements that interact to maintain the system. The key elements of a system include inputs, outputs, processors, control, feedback, boundaries and environment. It also distinguishes between open systems, which exchange both matter and energy with the environment, and closed systems, which only exchange energy. An example of a system discussed is an ecosystem. The document aims to discuss systems thinking to better understand complex geographical phenomena.

1. System approach in Geography.
Presenter :
Himangshu Bailung(5)
Jayanta Baruah(6)
Moucham Medhi(7)
Pankaj Saikia(8)
CENTER FOR STUDIES IN GEOGRAPHY

2. INTRODUCTON:
• SYSTEM:
The word system has been derived
from the Greek word “systema” which means
a set of rules that govern structure and/or
behavior.
An organized ,purposeful structure
that consist of interrelated and
interdependent elements. These elements
continually influences one another to
maintain theirs and the existence of the
system.

3. DEFINATION OF SYSTEMS:
Hall N . Fagan(1956),”American geography- Inventory and
prospect” :
A system is a set of objects together with a relation with this
objects and their attributes.
Miller 1965 simply stated system is a set of units with
relationship with them implying that:
a. A set of elements identified with some variable
attributes of objects.
b. A set of relationship between attributes and objects.
c. A set of relationship between this objects and the
environment.

4. CHARACTERISTICS OF SYSTEM:
 A system has structure, it contains parts that are directly or
indirectly related to each other.
 A system has behavior, it exhibits processes that fulfils its
functions or purpose.
 A system has inter connectivity, the parts and processes are
connected by structural and/or behavioral relationship.
 A system structure and behavior may be decomposed via
subsystem and sub-processes to elementary parts and
process steps.
 A system has behavior that in relativity to its surroundings
may be categorized as both fast and strong.

5. ELEMENTS OF SYSTEM:
Inputs
Outputs
Processor
Control
Feedback
Boundary and interface
Environment

6. Inputs :
• Inputs involves capturing and assembling
elements that enter the system to be the
processed. The inputs are said to be feed to
the system in order to get the out put .
For example:
Input of a computer system that includes-keyboard,
mouse, joystick and sun, rain, etc.

8. Output:
• Those elements that exist in the system due to
the processing of the inputs is known as output.
The output of a system may be in the form of
cash, information, knowledge, reports,
documents etc.
For say:
Output of a computer which includes
printers and screens, monitor and erosion,grains,
etc.

10. Processor(s)
• The processor is the element of a system that
involves the actual transformation of input
into output. It is the operational component
of a system.
For example:
CPU, Machineries, engines, fields,
ecosystem etc.

11. TYPES OF SYSTEM
1. Physical or Abstract system
2. Open or Global system and Closed system.
3. Man made Information system
4. Formal information system
5. Informal informatics system
6. Computer based information system
7. Real time system.

12. OPEN SYSTEM:
• Open system have inputs and output flow
representing exchange of matter, energy or
information within the surrounding.
In simple it is a system that transfers both
energy and matter across its boundary to is
surrounding environment.
Example of an open system:
Drainage basin, solar energy etc.

13. CLOSED SYSTEM:
• It is a system that transfers energy but not
matter, across its boundary to the surrounding
environment.
Our planet, carbon cycle, hydrological
cycle are some examples of a closed system.

14. ECOSYSTEM
It is a system that models relationship and
interactions between the various abiotic and
biotic components making up a community or
organisms and their surrounding physical
environment.
Example of an ecosystem:
Pond ecosystem, forest ecosystem etc.

15. MERITS OF SYSTEM
• It makes complex phenomena simple.
• Its helps in research work.
• System is always present. Every thing happens
according to a system.

16. DEMERITS OR PROBLEMS OF SYSTEM
• Problem of scale
• Boundary identification.
• To recognize elements within the system.

17. CONCLUSION
• System exist in all spheres of knowledge
weather it is in geography, mathematics or
political science etc.
The seminar has been prepared with a single
point objective to enrich and discuss the
mentioned topic with all the latest available
knowledge and information at our disposal.

18. REFERENCE:
• 29th Souvenir of twelfth Annual Conference,
NEIGS-1987.
• Geomorphology by Savindra Singh.
• Principles of geomorphology by Thornberry.
• Geomorphology by Bloom.
• www.physicalgeography.net
• www.wikipedia.com
• www.earthonlinemedia.com

19. THANK YOU