Geography : Introduction
Geography- the Science of Earth, is a diverse term which deals with
aerial differentiation of the surface of the earth. Derived from the Greek
words 'Geo or Gaea' ( Earth) and 'graphein' (to describe or to map), geography
literally means 'to describe or write about the earth'. Hence geography
can be described as the study of earth; location and distribution of its
physical and cultural features; land forms; climate; soils; vegetation;
mineral; water and human resources. Geography is not a mere academic subject,
but it involves finding out the facts on earth. The individuals associated
with geography are called Geographers.
Geographers are scientists who study about the physical details of the
environment, its effects on human and wildlife, weather and climate patterns,
economics and culture. The Greek Scholar of third century BC, Eratosthenes
who had calculated the circumference of the earth for the first time is
considered as the father of Geography while Alexander Von Humboldt is
regarded as the founder of modern geography. The modern geographer's
scope extends far beyond describing the earth.
Physical Geography and Human Geography are the major branches of Geography
which are closely inter connected. Also known as Geosystems or Physiography,
Physical geography is the study of physical features of earth such as
rivers, landforms, climate, hazards and many more that occupies the atmosphere,
biosphere and geosphere. It is further subdivided into geomorphology,
hydrology, coastal geography, oceanography, quaternary science, landscape
ecology, climatology and environmental geography. Human geography deals
with the study of human, political, economic, social and cultural
activities. The subdivision of human geography includes economic geography,
cultural geography, political geography, health geography, urban geography,
historical geography, marketing geography and social geography.
Geography provides numerous options for those who have a keen interest
in subjects like countries, people, economy, climate etc. Due of
the latest technological developments like Remote Sensing and Geographical
Information System (GIS), careers in geography are becoming more promising
and challenging than ever before. Remote Sensing is the science that acquires
information about an object, area or anything, without direct contact
with the objects. The information's are transferred with the help of electromagnetic
radiation (EMR) which is a form of energy that reveals its presence by
the observable effects it produces when it strikes the matter. GIS is
a computer based information system which is used to digitally represent
and analyze the geographic features present on the earth surface and the
events that take place on it. In GIS data collection, GPS (Global Positioning
System) technology which uses satellites and computers to compute positions
anywhere on earth with unequalled accuracy and flexibility, has tremendous
amount of applications.
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