Geography as a Discipline

• Introduction

  • Meaning of Geography
  • Origin of the term (Greek: geo = earth, graphos = description)
  • Earth as the abode of human beings

• Geography as an Integrating Discipline

  • Synthesis of spatial and temporal data
  • Relationship with Natural Sciences
    • Geology, Meteorology, Hydrology, Pedology
  • Relationship with Social Sciences
    • History, Economics, Sociology, Political Science
  • Dualism in Geography (Physical vs. Human)

• Branches of Geography

  • Systematic Approach (General Geography)
    • Physical Geography
      • Geomorphology, Climatology, Hydrology, Soil Geography
    • Human Geography
      • Social/Cultural, Population, Economic, Historical
    • Biogeography
      • Plant, Zoo Geography, Ecology, Environmental
  • Regional Approach
    • Regional Studies, Regional Analysis, Regional Development, Regional Planning

• Physical Geography & Its Importance

  • Study of abiotic components
  • Understanding lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere
  • Significance for resources, agriculture, and infrastructure

• Human Geography & Its Importance

  • Study of biotic and human-made environments
  • Relationship between physical environment and human societies
  • Focus on spatial distribution of human activities

• Why Study Geography?

  • Changing nature of the earth and humans
  • Understanding diversity of landforms and people
  • Developing skills in map-making and cartography
  • Using Geospatial Technology
    • GIS (Geographic Information System)
    • Remote Sensing
    • GPS (Global Positioning System)