Concept of Geography

The word ‘geography’ comes from two Greek words geo which means the Earth and graphein or grapho which means to draw, describe or write. The two words are joined to form one word “geographia”, which means “writing about the Earth.”

Therefore, Geography is the science that describes the Earth.

The term ‘geography’ was first used in 240 B.C by a Greek philosopher Eratosthenes who is regarded as “the father of geography”. He published a book about the Earth and named it Geography. According to Eratosthenes, geography is defined as writing about the planet Earth. The book contributed a lot to the understanding of the Earth and the universe. Based on that origin, Geography has been understood as the study of man and his surroundings. It is concerned with the study of the size, shape,

and movements of the Earth in relation to other heavenly bodies. Also, Geography deals with landmasses, water bodies, climate, vegetation, human activities, and events in different places of the world. Geography focuses on the description of Earth and its features, and the distribution of life on it. This includes human life and the effects of human activities on the Earth. Therefore, Geography is the scientific study of physical characteristics of the Earth and their influence on human life and activities.

Branches of Geography

Every day, man explores different things, including the earth’s landscapes, climate, people, and places as he or she navigates through wide and varied aspects of geography. The exploration allows man to know different regions, countries, continents, and the amazing physical and man-made features. Geography opens up a world of endless exploration from understanding the wonders of nature like mountains, rivers, and forests. Furthermore, geography renders the exploration of economic activities, population and man-made creations such as cities. Therefore, this exploration enables man to make a clear distinction between the physical aspects and human aspects.

Geography has two major branches, namely physical geography and human geography. Physical geography is involved with the study of natural features of the Earth. It focuses on the structure of the earth, atmospheric processes, and the formation and distribution of landforms such as mountains, valleys, and plateaus. It also studies the distribution of plants and animals (flora and fauna) on the earth’s surface.

Human geography is concerned with the study of man-made features found on the earth’s surface. It also deals with interaction between human beings and the environment. Furthermore, it studies human population aspects such as population structure, distribution, growth, settlement, and human activities.

The two major branches of geography need geographical skills and techniques that are covered under the technique known as practical geography. Practical geography deals with geographical techniques, which support scientific approaches to collecting, recording, storing, analysing and interpreting geographical data. It is potential in understanding physical and human geography through the study of cartography, photography, Geographical,Information System (GIS), research, survey, remote sensing, and statistics. Practical geography also helps learners acquire skills that enhance their curiosity and ability to understand both physical and human geography (Figure 1.1).

Exercise 1.1

1. With examples, differentiate natural features from man-made features within your surroundings.
2. How does physical geography contribute to our understanding of the Earth?
3. Why is practical geography important in studying physical geography and human geography?

Importance of studying Geography

The study of Geography is important because it increases awareness of our country as our national heritage, including its boundaries and resources. It helps to develop basic skills of observation, measurement, recording, storing, analysing, and interpreting geographical phenomena. These skills help to generate scientific knowledge that enables us to predict outcomes of different processes and activities for appropriate decision making. Geography also helps us understand our

culture and how it differs from other cultures. This can help us be more tolerant and cope with others nationally and internationally. Also, by studying the geography of other countries and their human interactions, it can help us gain knowledge and skills for improving ways of utilising our resources for our development.

Moreover, Geography equips man with skills for environmental conservation and management. These skills are for appropriate use of environmental resources and methods for managing associated problems for the wellbeing of the present and future generations. Geography gives us practical skills and knowledge, which are relevant in various fields, like map-making (cartography), teaching and researching, surveying, land use planning, natural resources management, conducting environmental and social impact assessment, aviation, navigation, surface transport, and tourism.

Furthermore, Geography helps to realise the natural resources are distributed over the country. For instance, by studying maps of natural gas reserves in Tanzania will help us understand how much gas we have, how long it will last, and decide on investing on alternative energy sources. Geography helps to realise why some areas are highly populated while others are sparsely populated, and why some economic activities are mostly found in certain areas than in others.

Exercise

1. Explain how Geographical knowledge helps us protect the environment in our local community.

2. How does geographical knowledge help us in travelling and tourism?

3. In what ways can geography help us make appropriate decisions about land use and development?

4. Explain how human geography helps in undertaking different social and economic activities in Tanzania.

5. Explain the activities you do in your daily life that uses the geographical knowledge you have learnt in school.

The relationship between Geography and other disciplines

Geography as a subject is related to other disciplines. Geography as an integrative discipline relates to serves several other disciplines. Such disciplines include Mathematics, Geology, Biology, Astronomy, Physics, Chemistry, Political science, Economics, and Agriculture. For instance, Astronomers who study about heavenly bodies like stars, planets, comets, galaxies, and the moon use geographical knowledge and skills to undertake their explorations. When studying about soil science and geology, Geography gives a basis for understanding and analysing the type, structure, and compositions of soils and rocks. Moreover, while study about forces of gravity in Physics, scientists use geographical knowledge to explain these forces.

Sometimes as an interdisciplinary field, Geography provides other concepts in social sciences. For example, when studying human culture, Geography provides a basis for understanding spatial distribution and how people interact with the environment. Geography is also related to political science, especially when describing political boundaries, regions, population size and distribution of resources in different locations. Figure 1.2 illustrates the relationship between Geography and other disciplines.

Exercise

Answer the following questions.

1. Hekima is a Form One student interested to be a pilot. His teacher encourages him to study hard and ensure he performs well in Geography, Physics, Mathematics and language subjects. Hekima’s friends also advise him that, besides being a pilot, he can also become a cartographer, surveyor, environmental expert, geologist, astronomer, meteorologist. Write an essay to explain Hekima’s interest in becoming a pilot in relation to the Geography subject.

2. Give reasons why the following career paths require specific geographical knowledge?

1. Weather forecasting
2. Map making and interpretation
3. Planning and organisation of cities
4. Aviation
5. Photographer

Exercise – Answers

Answer the following questions.

1. Hekima's interest in becoming a pilot in relation to Geography

Geography is the scientific study of the Earth, its physical features, human activities and the relationship between human beings and their environment. Geography is important to Hekima because it provides knowledge and skills required in aviation.

1. Understanding weather conditions: Geography helps pilots understand rainfall, wind, clouds and storms, enabling them to make safe flight decisions.
2. Navigation skills: Geography enables pilots to identify directions, locations and flight routes.
3. Map interpretation: Geography helps pilots read and interpret maps used in planning flight routes.
4. Understanding physical features: Geography enables pilots to identify mountains, valleys and other landforms that may affect flight safety.
5. Understanding the Earth's characteristics: Geography helps pilots understand the Earth's shape, size and movements, which are relevant to navigation.
6. Environmental awareness: Geography helps pilots understand environmental conditions that may influence aviation activities.

Conclusion: Geography provides essential knowledge and skills for aviation. Therefore, Hekima should study Geography together with Physics, Mathematics and languages to prepare for his future career as a pilot.

2. Reasons why different career paths require geographical knowledge

1. Weather forecasting: Geographical knowledge helps meteorologists study atmospheric conditions such as temperature, rainfall, wind and humidity to predict weather changes.
2. Map making and interpretation: Geography provides cartographers with skills for collecting geographical information, representing physical and human features on maps, and interpreting geographical locations.
3. Planning and organisation of cities: Geography helps urban planners identify suitable areas for settlements, roads, industries and public services while considering environmental conditions.
4. Aviation: Geographical knowledge helps pilots understand weather conditions, interpret maps, identify directions and plan safe flight routes.
5. Photography: Geography helps photographers understand landscapes, physical features and environmental conditions when capturing and interpreting geographical photographs.