Research Methods Geographers Use

Maps

• Not surprisingly, geographers use maps heavily in their research. Maps are useful for defining political boundaries, plotting exact locations of geographical structures or even planning routes for travel. They are also useful for determining the safety of a man made or naturally occurring structure. For example, geographers might compare the location of a structure to fault lines that lie beneath it in order to calculate the likelihood of a disaster. Many geographers are also cartographers, meaning they make and study maps. Geographers will use math to create these maps, but they will also use artistic renderings to explain the map to others.

Interviews

• Geographers are not only responsible for defining areas in regards to physical location, but also by their culture. This might involve gathering statistics about a population or creating data tables that synthesize this information into an easy-to-read format. Often, geographers will conduct interviews to collect information about a population. Along with in-person interviews, geographers might draft and distribute surveys to members of a population to attain information.

Direct Observation

• Direct observation can involve visiting areas, charting surroundings and taking precise measurements of locations. Geographers will also rely on the verifiable direct observation of others to supplement their research when firsthand study is not possible. Some direct observation follows the same principle of that of an anthropological ethnographic study; geographers are to observe and take notes of their findings without interfering with local customs.

Technologies

• As technologies develop, geographers are using more and more software programs and gadgets in their research. For example, the availability of global positioning systems (GPS) has made it easier for geographers to take exact measurements of their location and the positioning of landmarks and geographical features. Software programs have made possible three-dimensional maps that help give scope and perspective to locations. Geographers will also use software to analyze statistics and verify calculations in regards to the population of a specific area.