Geography research is an elaborate subject in research writing, it involves a wide spectrum of concepts and topics within the natural environment. Research in geography requires vast knowledge about a subject (geography-related) matter (issues under investigation) and the academic well-to-do to interpret problems, collect reliable data within a short time and make recommendations from analysis carried out.

Geography research involves issues surrounding natural and artificial landscapes, and the ecosystem to ascertain how human beings interact and relate with their physical environment. Research in geography encompasses areas like the study of climatic changes, impact of urban patterns or style of urbanization, population trends or growth, natural hazards, risk and environmental management, other areas of potential research include geospatial analysis, and the application of advanced geographical information systems.

What is Geography?

Geography has to do with studying or investigating the earth, its environment, terrain, landscape and how human beings can relate to their physical environment (surroundings).

How to Write Geography Research:

Researching geography is similar to other research subjects, to write a research in geography, the student should begin by understanding the background of the issue being investigated, then proceed with stating the research aim and objectives followed by the problem found, define the applicable methodology, gather relevant data for literature review, thereafter analyze data collected and finally add conclusion based on the data analyzed and tested hypothesis (optional). In writing a proper full paper on geography the following outline will suffice;

Introduction

Background of the study

The geographical problems identified

General and primary objectives

Significance of the research

 Methodology adopted

Data collection and analysis

The conclusion from the findings

Recommendation

What Makes a Study Area in Geography Research?

The study area in geography would include the locations, and environment being studied, which could involve events, disturbances, activities or problems around, within or in the immediate environment under study (land, air or water).

Data Collection in Geography Research:

The two main sources of data in geography are;

The primary data sources involve data obtained from the field such as the nature of the environment, existing events or problems e.g. hazards on the earth’s surface, land, and water; and the secondary data source are information from existing literature and materials on topics and issues relating to geography or the human environment.

Research Methods in Geography:

In geography research, the quantitative or qualitative method is used, sometimes both methods are mixed to achieve an in-depth study in geography-related research.

Geography Approach in Research:

The following approach can be adopted in research on geography;

1. Analysis using spatial techniques to be able to determine patterns of the environment and the GIS process.
2. The fieldwork technique is sometimes used to collect direct data (information) from the field of study with the involvement of a third party.
3. Geography adopts either qualitative or quantitative or both approaches in research.
4. Analysis for comparing the similarities and differences in the physical environment to find out what different output the study will come out with at the end of the research.

Importance of Researching Geography?

A study on geography is important for the following reasons;

1. It enables the understanding of the earth, the physical, material and climatic characteristics of the earth’s surface including the method of managing the natural resources.
2. It helps to show how human beings can interact with their immediate environment, their features, qualities and character.
3. The study of geography promotes love for culture, tourism and all aspects of the physical environment including issues relating to ecosystem, land area, GIS, natural hazards and population management.