The geographic method involves 5 logical steps for studying geographic features: 1) Ask questions about the location, arrangement, and formation of the feature. 2) Collect information through surveys, field studies, and data collection. 3) Organize and display the information using maps, photos, and tables/graphs. 4) Analyze the data by identifying patterns, making comparisons, and projecting future conditions. 5) Formulate answers to the original questions based on analysis of the collected information.
2. Ask appropriate questions about the feature or activity being studied. Where is it? Why is it there? How is it arranged? What process lead to its formation and location?
3. Collect and acquire geographic information that will help to answer these questions. Can be obtained by - surveys - field studies - interviews - data-collection surveys
4. Organize, summarize and display the geographic information gathered. Can be done by: - drawing maps - taking photos - using tables/graphs to display statistics
5. Analyze and interpret the data you have collected and summarized. Can be done by: - analyzing patterns - making historical comparisons - projecting future conditions based upon past trends - compare and contrast different situations
6. 5. Formulate a reasonable answer to the geographic questions based on your analysis and interpretation of the information gathered.