NAME REG NO SIGNATURE

MARTHA KERUBO ESN/00007/022

OTIENO BERNARD EEC/00008/023

MARION ATIENO EEC/00020/023

MERCY KERUBO ESN/00099/023

OKOTH SAMSON EAR/00475/023

QUINTER AUMA EAR/00527/023

SPENCER AWUORO EAR/00749/023

ALFRED JUMA EAR/00795/023

LYDIAH KERUBO EAR/00823/023

TOBIAS ODEWA EAR/00169/023

Geography is the spatial study of the earth’s physical and cultural environments. Geographers study the
earth’s physical characteristics, inhabitants and cultures, phenomena such as climate, and the earth’s
place within the universe.Geography as a science has evolved significantly over time, with its
development closely tied to advancements in technology, exploration, and the understanding of the
Earth's physical and human processes. The methodology and content of human geography have also
evolved to encompass a wide range of topics and approaches.

DEVELOPMENT OF GEOGRAPHY AS A SCIENCE

Geography has a long history as a discipline, dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Greeks and
Romans who were interested in mapping and understanding the world around them. However, it was
not until the 19th century that geography began to be recognized as a formal scientific discipline.

One of the key developments in the development of geography as a science was the establishment of
the first geography departments and academic programs in universities. This allowed for the systematic
study of the Earth's physical features, climate, and human societies.

Use of new technologies such as satellite imagery, remote sensing, and geographic information systems
(GIS) which revolutionized the way geographers collect and analyze data.

Geography has also become more interdisciplinary, drawing on insights from fields such as geology,
biology, sociology, and economics to better understand the complex interactions between humans and
the environment.

The scientific approach can focus on the distribution of cultural and natural phenomena within regions
as delimited by various natural and cultural factors. The focus is on the spatial relationships within any
field of study, such as regional economics, resource management, regional planning, and landscape
ecology.

1. Development of Geography as a Science:

- Ancient Geography: Geography as a discipline has ancient roots, with early civilizations such as the
Greeks and Romans making significant contributions to the field. Scholars like Ptolemy created maps
and developed theories about the Earth's shape and size.

- Age of Exploration: The Age of Exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries led to increased knowledge
about the Earth's physical features and the mapping of new territories. This period marked a significant
advancement in the study of geography.

- 18th and 19th centuries: The 18th and 19th centuries saw the emergence of modern geography as a
scientific discipline. Geographers like Alexander von Humboldt and Carl Ritter made important
contributions to physical geography, while Friedrich Ratzel and Ellen Semple focused on human
geography.
- 20th century: The 20th century saw further advancements in geography, with the development of new
technologies such as remote sensing, GIS, and GPS revolutionizing the field. Geographers began to focus
on issues such as environmental sustainability, globalization, and urbanization.

2. Methodology of Human Geography:

- Qualitative Methods: Human geographers often use qualitative methods such as interviews, surveys,
and participant observation to study human behavior and social phenomena. These methods help
researchers gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of human interactions with their
environment.

- Quantitative Methods: Quantitative methods, such as statistical analysis and modeling, are also
commonly used in human geography to analyze large datasets and identify patterns and trends. These
methods allow researchers to make empirical observations and test hypotheses.

- Spatial Analysis: Human geographers use spatial analysis to examine how human activities are
distributed across space and how they interact with their environment. This approach helps researchers
understand the spatial dimensions of social phenomena.

- Critical Perspectives: Human geographers often take a critical perspective on issues such as power,
inequality, and social justice. They may use theories from fields such as sociology, anthropology, and
political science to analyze the ways in which social structures shape human behavior.

3.Content of Human Geography:

Cultural Geography: How human cultures shape and are shaped by their physical environment
(language, religion, ethnicity, identity).

Economic Geography: Spatial distribution of economic activities (production, trade, consumption) and
their impact on social and environmental outcomes.

Political Geography: Spatial dimensions of political processes (borders, territories, geopolitics) and how
political power is exercised and contested.

Urban Geography: Spatial organization of cities and urban areas, addressing issues like urbanization,
gentrification, and urban planning.

Conclusion

Geography's development has been influenced by historical events, technological advancements, and
societal needs. Human geography's methodology and content encompass diverse topics and
approaches, reflecting its interdisciplinary nature. Geographers play a crucial role in understanding and
addressing complex challenges facing our planet.