1. Geographical Skills
Gathering Techniques

2. We are learning to… Describe gathering techniques used for research
Justify choice of technique

3. I can…
Make decisions on choice of appropriate gathering techniques to suit research
Justify these choices

4. How to remember them: Every Five Minutes Recall Our Conversation
Extracting – information from maps etc
Field sketching
Measuring
Recording
Observing
Compiling – interviews and questionnaires

5. Extracting Information form Maps
Examples
Distribution of settlement in an area
Location of river and glacial features
Relief – height and shape of land
Land Use maps showing major land uses such as settlement and farming
Street patterns such as cul-de-sac will show up
Weather data from satellite photos

6. Extracting Information form Maps
Examples
Distribution of settlement in an area
Location of river and glacial features
Relief – height and shape of land
Land Use maps showing major land uses such as settlement and farming
Street patterns such as cul-de-sac will show up
Weather data from satellite photos

7. Extracting Information form Maps
Justification
Maps are good stores of information
Different types of map, such as land use and relief maps, can be used to show relationships
Changes over time can be seen when comparing maps from different time periods – old and new maps
Different scales e.g. 1:25,000 and 1:50,000 can show features such as buildings in various detail. The layout of buildings can help to identify type and age of the building

8. Fieldsketching Examples Sketching river and glacial features
Sketching farming and industrial landscapes

9. Fieldsketching Justifications
It is more selective than a photograph as you choose what is included in the sketch – you focus on the relevant features
You can compare it with photos and maps of the same area
It is less complicated and quicker than taking a photo and waiting for it to be developed

10. Measuring
Examples
Measuring temperatures and rainfall over a week/month
Measuring the width, depth and speed of flow of a river
Measuring the differences in river flow across a meander
Measuring the differences in temperature from a valley floor to a mountain top

11. Measuring Justifications
It is a scientific and precise way of gathering information
This information will be more accurate
It helps to show relationships, patterns and changes over distances or time for example
The results are original (primary) information and so up-to-date

12. Recording information on a map
Examples
Land use maps from fieldwork-analysis of a shopping centre or High Street
Record of land use on a farm (could be compared with a soil map)
The location of people within a country park could be produced
A map to show the number of pedestrians crossing at specific road junctions
A distribution map showing the spread of settlements within an area

13. Recording information on a map
Justifications
Maps are very useful when you are trying to describe patterns and relationships
Mapping is easy to do for a small area
Information can be recorded quickly then processed at base
It is a useful way of recording features, services, land uses etc at a particular time and place
Comparisons can be made with other sources of information

14. Observing and recording
Examples
Traffic / pedestrian counts – record on a grid sheet showing frequencies at various locations and times and explain the differences
Taking photographs of different areas to compare environmental quality
Land uses in a city – note different building heights and explain why building heights and explain why buildings are highest in the CBD

15. Observing and recording
Justifications
Observing and recording produces primary, original data that will not be found in books
Different areas can be easily compared
Patterns and relationships can be identified and explained
A small sample taken could give a good estimate of the overall situation

16. Compiling questionnaires and interviews
Examples
Groups of people such as shoppers, factory workers, commuters and tourists could be asked relatively quickly and directly
First-hand, primary information can be gathered that is not available from other sources

17. cont
Individuals such as farmers, shop keepers and town planners could be interviewed at some length and detailed information gathered
It would be useful for a sphere of influence study, a farm study, industrial change over time in an area, a study of particular attractions and amenities in an area

18. Compiling questionnaires and interviews
Justifications
Information gathered will be up-to-date
Information will be first-hand and not available from other sources
It can be processed quickly if part of a multiple choice questionnaire
It is a way of collecting information about the not too distant past

19. Shopping Habits Questionnaire
Date 22/8/15, Location: Kilmarnock (King st) Time: 11am
Excuse me, I am doing some work for my Geography
course at school. Would you mind answering a few
questions?
Do you normally shop at this centre?
In which street do you live?
What means of transport did you use to get here?
How often do you shop here per month?
Which shops will you be using?
Why do you use this shopping centre?

20. Q P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 1
Yes
yes 2 3
Car
car
walk 4 5 6