Assignment 1
Having read the course notes and the articles, I gained a proper understanding of what geography is. The concept of geography is closely connected with the spatial way of thinking, and yet it encompasses far more than the knowledge of places and their location. Broadly speaking, the realm of geography contains human and physical geography. The study of human geography covers the spatial peculiarities of human existence, whereas physical geography delves into the fields of landforms, climate, water, soil and vegetation. With regard to the socio-economic geography, it covers a wide range of topics, such as the concept of economic development of the territory and the territorial division of labor along with economic and geographical position.
Being a dimensional science, geography entails spatial logic and associations that are related to the physical and cultural processes of the earth (Dobson). As a science, geography explores the laws of nature and accommodates such laws into the spatial organization of all things on earth. Geography tends to identify the precise location of objects of different nature and study human interaction with the natural environment, allocate the earth's surface into certain zones according to their natural or economic characteristics.
The system of geographic sciences is argued to emerge as the result of differentiation and development of the very geography. Thus, the knowledge about the nature, economy and people of different areas of the Earth seems to be inextricably connected. Interestingly, one of the key purposes of geography is to ensure the most efficient use of all natural resources, thereby creating a favorable environment. The process of the development of geography has led to the study of the individual components of the environment, for instance topography, climate, soil and agriculture. Therefore, over time, a synthetic study of territorial combinations emerged.
When it comes to the compelling things that caught my attention, I cannot but mention the concept of space. It is worth noting that the space is not merely the skin of the geographic processes, but actually the active factor in the nature of these processes. Thus, the relative spatial resources and their differences from place to place tend to play a crucial role in examining good geographical position for saving raw materials and energy as well as reducing damage from accidents and natural disasters.
With regard to career opportunities, there is a vast range of options. Scientific integration of spatial analysis and place-based research made me realize the significance of geographic data. In particular, urban and regional studies are highly engaging and stimulate me to enhance my geographic knowledge and understanding of locations, movements and flows. The formulation of foreign policy is virtually impossible without geography. The same refers to the process of designing and using GPS.
It is fundamental to develop child’s spatial thinking in elementary school, however K–12 curricula contains only social studies, rather than physical geography. In this regard, it is worth emphasizing that geography refers to the comprehensive and detailed study of the nature, population and economy, thereby combining various disciplines in one complex system. Children should have a chance to get familiar with the relationship of all these aspects through a geographic lens. Geography helps to build individual’s own experiences, hone their intellectual skills and stimulate them to formulate questions. Geography not only provokes questions about the natural world, but it also answers them from different perspectives. It develops child’s understanding of maps as well as knowledge of environments all over the world. With regard to the significance of geography in terms of the average U.S. citizen’s daily life, it is worth noting that it affects a diversity of levels, from the concept of citizenship to the issue of global interconnectedness.
Dangermond states that the geographic approach entails geographic science together with geographic information system (GIS). It is reasonable to stress that there are four traditions in geography, namely a spatial tradition, an area studies tradition, a man-land tradition and an earth science tradition (Pattison 203). I am adamant that these traditions represent unified approaches to geographic understanding, since all these pieces of the geographic puzzle fall neatly into place. I am inclined to believe that the spatial aspect is indispensable, largely because geography is not merely about the maps, but more importantly the ability to read them and understand “the movement of what is mapped” (Pattison 203). In turn, the spatial aspect fits into the area studies tradition and merges with the knowledge of the location of places. Then, man-land tradition encompasses the geographic output of the countries. Eventually, earth science tradition delves into the knowledge of the earth, the atmosphere and the water. Clearly, these traditions overlap and result in the science of geography.
Works cited
Dangermond, Jack. “Taking the Geographic Approach.” ArcWatch. September, 2007. Web. http://www.esri.com/news/arcwatch/0907/feature.html
Dobson, Jerome E. “Bring Back Geography.” ArcNews Online. Spring, 2007. Web. http://www.esri.com/news/arcnews/spring07articles/bring-back-geography-1of2.html
Pattison, William D. “The Four Traditions of Geography.” Journal of Geography. September/October, 1990, 202-206. Web. http://www.geog.ucsb.edu/~kclarke/G200B/four_20traditions_20of_20geography.pdf
