The Geographical Enquiry Process
Stage 1: Planning
Establish the aim and hypotheses
Select the location/ sites for the study
Health and safety: risk assessment and risk management
Sources of information
Stage 2: field work techniques and methods (data collection)
Primary sources: first-hand fieldwork and measurements and observations -
equipment
- data collection sheets
Secondary Sources: Published sources e.g. maps, images, data etc
Stage 3: Processing and presenting data
Collect and tabulate the primary data (secondary data may be relevant)
Present primary data in graphical, cartographic, or photographic form
Stage 4: Analysing and interpreting the data
Analyse (describe) the patterns and relationships evident in the primary data
(including secondary if relevant)
Interpret (explain) the patterns and relationships evident in the primary data
(including secondary data if relevant)
Stage 5: Drawing conclusions
Draw evidenced conclusions for each hypothesis
Draw an overall conclusion in relation to the aim of the study
Stage 6: Evaluating the fieldwork
Evaluate the data collection methods, data collected and conclusions
Suggest other data that might be useful
Suggest how to extend the scope of the data
Aim: To investigate downstream changes in the discharge of the river Shimina (Newcastle,
County Down)
Hypothesis 1: cross section of the river increases with distance downstream
Data collection: river width
Measuring tape
Data collection sheet
Data collection: river depth and wetted perimeter
Metre stick
Measuring tape
Data collection sheet
, Hypothesis 2: River velocity increases with distance downstream
Data collection: river velocity
Orange
Timer
Data collection sheet
Measuring tape
Hypothesis 3: River discharge increase with distance downstream
Data collection: Discharge
Quadrats
30cm ruler
Data collection sheet
Risk assessment
Risk/Hazard:
Falling off a cliff face
Slipping on wet rocks
Hypothermia
Byles disease
Drowning from deep water
Rocky riverbed - risk of head injury in the events of a fall
Getting lost
Wildlife
Coronavirus
Mitigation:
Minimise the time at the foot of cliffs and avoid any specific parts where there are
signs of recent falls
Wear appropriate footwear
Check weather forecast, wrap up warm and have dry and warm change of clothes
Cover cuts or scabs, sanitise hands regularly
Have a throwline ready to deploy, follow advice from the leader. Avoid deep water,
wear appropriate shoes e.g. wellies and follow weather forecast
Wear safety helmets
Wear high visibility clothing, carry a map, bring a phone, stay with the group
Stay away from wild animals
Sanitize equipment between uses, only one person touching the equipment, wear
masks, sanitize hands between sites
Stage 1: Planning
Establish the aim and hypotheses
Select the location/ sites for the study
Health and safety: risk assessment and risk management
Sources of information
Stage 2: field work techniques and methods (data collection)
Primary sources: first-hand fieldwork and measurements and observations -
equipment
- data collection sheets
Secondary Sources: Published sources e.g. maps, images, data etc
Stage 3: Processing and presenting data
Collect and tabulate the primary data (secondary data may be relevant)
Present primary data in graphical, cartographic, or photographic form
Stage 4: Analysing and interpreting the data
Analyse (describe) the patterns and relationships evident in the primary data
(including secondary if relevant)
Interpret (explain) the patterns and relationships evident in the primary data
(including secondary data if relevant)
Stage 5: Drawing conclusions
Draw evidenced conclusions for each hypothesis
Draw an overall conclusion in relation to the aim of the study
Stage 6: Evaluating the fieldwork
Evaluate the data collection methods, data collected and conclusions
Suggest other data that might be useful
Suggest how to extend the scope of the data
Aim: To investigate downstream changes in the discharge of the river Shimina (Newcastle,
County Down)
Hypothesis 1: cross section of the river increases with distance downstream
Data collection: river width
Measuring tape
Data collection sheet
Data collection: river depth and wetted perimeter
Metre stick
Measuring tape
Data collection sheet
, Hypothesis 2: River velocity increases with distance downstream
Data collection: river velocity
Orange
Timer
Data collection sheet
Measuring tape
Hypothesis 3: River discharge increase with distance downstream
Data collection: Discharge
Quadrats
30cm ruler
Data collection sheet
Risk assessment
Risk/Hazard:
Falling off a cliff face
Slipping on wet rocks
Hypothermia
Byles disease
Drowning from deep water
Rocky riverbed - risk of head injury in the events of a fall
Getting lost
Wildlife
Coronavirus
Mitigation:
Minimise the time at the foot of cliffs and avoid any specific parts where there are
signs of recent falls
Wear appropriate footwear
Check weather forecast, wrap up warm and have dry and warm change of clothes
Cover cuts or scabs, sanitise hands regularly
Have a throwline ready to deploy, follow advice from the leader. Avoid deep water,
wear appropriate shoes e.g. wellies and follow weather forecast
Wear safety helmets
Wear high visibility clothing, carry a map, bring a phone, stay with the group
Stay away from wild animals
Sanitize equipment between uses, only one person touching the equipment, wear
masks, sanitize hands between sites
