Class 12 Geography Notes Chapter 5 (Field Surveys) – Practical Work in Geography Part-II Book

Detailed Notes with MCQs of Chapter 5: Field Surveys from your Practical Work in Geography Part-II book. This chapter is crucial, not just for your practical exams, but also because it forms the bedrock of geographical inquiry and is frequently tested in various government exams where geography is a component. Field surveys provide the primary, first-hand information that helps us understand the reality on the ground.

Chapter 5: Field Surveys - Detailed Notes for Exam Preparation

1. What is a Field Survey?

• Definition: A systematic process of collecting primary data and information about geographical phenomena directly from the field (the actual location of study).
• Nature: It involves observation, sketching, measurement, interviewing, and recording data on-site.
• Significance: It provides empirical evidence, helps verify existing data/theories, allows for in-depth understanding of spatial patterns and processes, and aids in problem-solving (e.g., planning, resource management). It bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and ground reality.

2. Need and Importance of Field Surveys in Geography:

• Primary Data Collection: Generates original data not available elsewhere.
• Understanding Micro-level Variations: Reveals local details often missed in secondary data or macro-level studies.
• Spatial Context: Helps understand phenomena in their specific geographical location and context.
• Human-Environment Interaction: Allows direct study of how humans interact with and modify their environment, and vice-versa.
• Problem Identification & Solution: Essential for identifying local issues (like poverty, pollution, land degradation) and formulating geographically relevant solutions.
• Skill Development: Develops crucial geographical skills like observation, mapping, data handling, interviewing, and analysis.

3. The Process/Procedure of Conducting a Field Survey:

This is a systematic process, often broken down into distinct stages:

• (a) Defining the Problem:

  • Clearly state the geographical issue or topic to be investigated.
  • The problem should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
  • Examples: Assessing land use patterns in a village, studying the socio-economic impact of a new highway, investigating sources of water pollution in a local stream.

• (b) Objectives:

  • Break down the main problem into specific, achievable aims.
  • What specific questions does the survey intend to answer?
  • Example Objectives (for Land Use Survey): To map the current land use categories; To identify changes in land use over the past decade; To analyze the factors influencing land use patterns.

• (c) Scope:

  • Define the geographical boundaries (study area) of the survey.
  • Determine the thematic scope (which aspects of the problem will be covered).
  • Specify the time frame for the study (both data collection period and the period the data refers to).

• (d) Tools and Techniques:

  • Identify the methods and equipment needed for data collection based on the objectives.
  • Common Techniques:
    • Observation: Systematically watching and recording phenomena (e.g., housing types, crop conditions, traffic flow, environmental degradation). Can be participant or non-participant.
    • Measurement: Using instruments to quantify features (e.g., measuring field sizes with tape, river width, slope angle with clinometer, temperature, air/water quality parameters).
    • Interviewing: Gathering information directly from people.
      • Questionnaire: A pre-set list of written questions filled by the respondent. Useful for literate populations and large samples.
      • Schedule: A pre-set list of questions asked and filled by the interviewer. Useful for complex questions or when respondents may be illiterate. Can include structured (closed-ended) and unstructured (open-ended) questions.
    • Sketching & Photography: Visual recording of landscapes, features, or situations. Field sketches should be annotated. Photographs provide objective visual evidence.
    • Mapping: Using base maps to plot locations, features, or distributions observed in the field. Creating thematic maps based on collected data.
  • Essential Tools: Field notebook, pens/pencils, measuring tape, compass, relevant maps (topographical, cadastral), camera, GPS device (optional but useful), questionnaires/schedules, sample bags (for soil/water), basic testing kits (e.g., soil pH), appropriate clothing and safety gear.

• (e) Compilation and Computation (Data Processing):

  • Organize the collected raw data systematically.
  • Tabulation: Arranging data in tables for clarity and comparison.
  • Statistical Analysis: Calculating frequencies, percentages, averages (mean, median, mode), measures of dispersion (range, standard deviation) to summarize the data. Correlation might be used to find relationships.
  • Cartographic Analysis: Preparing maps and diagrams (bar graphs, pie charts, histograms, flow maps, choropleth maps, isopleth maps) to visually represent the spatial patterns and findings.

• (f) Report Writing:

  • The final stage, presenting the findings in a structured format.
  • Typical Structure:
    • Title Page
    • Introduction: Background, problem statement, rationale for the study.
    • Objectives: Clearly listed aims of the survey.
    • Methodology: Detailed description of the study area, tools and techniques used, sampling method (if any), data collection process, and data analysis methods.
    • Analysis and Discussion: Presentation of findings using tables, graphs, maps, and textual explanation. Interpretation of the results.
    • Conclusion: Summary of key findings, limitations of the study, and potential implications or recommendations.
    • Bibliography/References: List of sources consulted.
    • Appendices: Includes raw data tables, questionnaires, photographs, detailed maps etc.

4. Specific Field Survey Examples (as mentioned in the context of the book):

• Survey on Poverty: Focuses on identifying indicators (income, housing, sanitation, health, education, land ownership), causes, spatial distribution, and consequences of poverty in an area. Often relies heavily on interviews (schedules) and observation.
• Survey on Land Use: Involves mapping and classifying how land is utilized within the study area (e.g., agricultural, residential, industrial, commercial, forest, wasteland). Requires observation, measurement (field sizes), mapping, and potentially interviews with landowners/farmers.
• Survey on Environmental Pollution (Air, Water, Noise, Land): Aims to identify sources, measure levels (if possible with kits/instruments), assess impacts, and map the affected areas. Uses observation, measurement (water/air samples), interviews (health impacts, sources), and mapping.
• Surveys on Environmental Issues (Drought, Floods): Focus on assessing the extent, impact (on people, agriculture, infrastructure), coping mechanisms, and preparedness levels. Involves observation, mapping affected areas, interviews with affected populations and officials.

5. Key Considerations and Precautions:

• Objectivity: Strive for unbiased observation and recording.
• Accuracy: Ensure measurements and data recording are precise.
• Sampling: If surveying a large area or population, use appropriate sampling techniques (random, systematic, stratified) to ensure the sample represents the whole. Be aware of potential sampling bias.
• Ethical Considerations: Obtain permission before entering private property or interviewing people. Ensure confidentiality and anonymity if required. Be sensitive to local customs and traditions.
• Preparation: Thoroughly plan the survey, prepare tools, and understand the study area beforehand (e.g., using maps, secondary data).
• Teamwork: If working in a group, clearly define roles and responsibilities.

Conclusion: Field surveys are indispensable tools for geographers. They provide authentic data, foster a deeper understanding of geographical realities, and equip students and researchers with practical skills essential for analyzing and addressing real-world issues. Mastery of field survey techniques is vital for anyone seriously studying Geography.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):

1. The primary purpose of conducting a field survey in Geography is to:
   A. Review existing literature
   B. Collect primary data directly from the location
   C. Analyze satellite imagery
   D. Create theoretical models

2. Which of the following is the first crucial step in conducting a systematic field survey?
   A. Data compilation
   B. Report writing
   C. Defining the problem and objectives
   D. Selecting tools and techniques

3. A pre-set list of questions asked and filled by the interviewer during a face-to-face interaction is known as a:
   A. Questionnaire
   B. Schedule
   C. Field Diary
   D. Topographical Map

4. Which technique is most suitable for visually recording the landscape features and their relative positions during a field survey?
   A. Measurement using tape
   B. Conducting interviews
   C. Field sketching and photography
   D. Statistical analysis

5. In a field survey report, the section that describes the study area, methods of data collection, and analysis techniques used is called:
   A. Introduction
   B. Conclusion
   C. Methodology
   D. Appendix

6. Measuring the dimensions of agricultural fields or the width of a road during a survey falls under which technique?
   A. Observation
   B. Measurement
   C. Interviewing
   D. Cartographic Application

7. A survey focused on mapping different types of land utilization like residential, agricultural, and industrial areas is best described as a:
   A. Poverty Survey
   B. Pollution Survey
   C. Land Use Survey
   D. Transportation Survey

8. Why is sampling often necessary in field surveys?
   A. To make the report longer
   B. To study a representative part when the whole population/area is too large
   C. To avoid talking to people
   D. To exclusively use secondary data

9. Which of the following is NOT typically considered an essential tool for a basic geographical field survey?
   A. Field notebook and pencil
   B. Measuring tape
   C. Electron microscope
   D. Base map of the study area

10. Maintaining objectivity, ensuring accuracy, and respecting local customs fall under which aspect of field surveys?
    A. Data Computation
    B. Report Structure
    C. Key Considerations and Precautions / Ethical considerations
    D. Cartographic Applications

Answer Key:

1. B
2. C
3. B
4. C
5. C
6. B
7. C
8. B
9. C
10. C

Study these notes thoroughly. Understanding the process and purpose of field surveys is fundamental. Good luck with your preparation!