Formulating an enquiry
Fieldwork in geography is all about following an enquiry.
A step-by-step guide to geography fieldwork, investigating sound levels in a typical high street
Types of enquiry
When geographers identify a geographical topic or issue to study, they must then undertake research. Research when carried out first-hand is called fieldwork. Fieldwork in geography is all about following an enquiry.
An enquiry is a question that you set out to prove or disprove. A An initial, tentative theory which is then tested to see if it fits the facts. is very similar, though it is a statement rather than a question. Both can be either physical or human in nature.
Planning fieldwork
Fieldwork has to be carefully planned. The enquiry question will determine what data needs to be collected, eg an enquiry question related to rivers, might need river measurements such as velocity and depth. The data must answer the question, eg a study about river (Also written as bedload.) The sediment carried by a river by being bounced or rolled along its bed. would need measurements of stone size and shape.
Before going out to undertake fieldwork, think about what equipment is required and what clothing is suitable. Planning ahead ensures that good quality data will be collected.
All fieldwork has associated risks. Risk assessments help to understand the risk and avoid potentially dangerous situations, eg walking alongside fast-flowing streams or carrying expensive equipment through areas of high crime. A good risk assessment will also consider what to do if a difficult situation arises.