Chapter 5 Field Surveys

While you have studied geography concepts at global or national levels (macro level), understanding these phenomena at a local level requires gathering specific information from that area. This is done through primary surveys, also known as field surveys.

Field surveys are a fundamental method of geographic inquiry, involving direct observation, sketching, measurement, interviews, and other techniques to understand the Earth's surface and human interactions with it at a specific location.

Why Is Field Survey Required?

Geography is inherently a field-based science, meaning that direct investigation in the actual geographical setting is crucial. Field surveys are necessary to complement broader geographical studies by providing detailed, local-level information.

Purposes of conducting field surveys:

• To enhance understanding of spatial patterns, associations, and relationships of phenomena at a local scale.
• To collect primary data that is not available from existing secondary sources.
• To gather specific information needed to investigate a particular geographical problem in depth based on predefined objectives.
• To enable the investigator to fully comprehend a situation or process in its actual context and location.

Direct observation is a key method used during field surveys to gather information and draw initial inferences about the landscape and phenomena.

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Field Survey Procedure

Conducting a field survey follows a structured, multi-stage procedure with interrelated steps:

Defining The Problem

The first step involves clearly and precisely defining the geographical problem or topic to be studied. This definition should be specific and indicate the exact nature of the problem. The problem statement should also be reflected accurately in the title and any subtitles used for the survey report.

Objectives

Once the problem is defined, the specific objectives of the survey must be listed. Objectives provide a clear outline of what the survey intends to achieve. They guide the selection of appropriate data collection tools, techniques, and methods for data analysis that will be used throughout the survey process.

Scope

Similar to defining objectives, the scope of the field survey must be clearly delimited. This involves specifying:

• The exact geographical area that will be covered by the survey.
• The timeframe or period of inquiry the data will relate to.
• If applicable, the specific themes or aspects of the problem that will be studied (especially if the problem is broad).

Delimiting the scope in these dimensions ensures that the survey is manageable, aligns with the predefined objectives, and helps in understanding the limitations of the analysis, inferences, and their applicability.

Tools And Techniques

Various tools and techniques are employed during field surveys to collect the necessary information about the chosen problem. These include using existing data, direct observation, measurement, and conducting interviews.

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(i) Recorded and Published Data:

Existing secondary data and maps provide foundational information about the survey area and the problem. These are collected and published by government agencies, organizations, and other bodies.

• Secondary information (like population statistics, agricultural data, economic figures) helps in understanding the background of the area and the problem.
• Maps, such as cadastral maps (showing property boundaries) and topographical maps (showing relief, drainage, settlements, infrastructure), are essential for preparing the survey framework, understanding physical and cultural features, and selecting units of observation (like households or land parcels).

Official records (e.g., electoral rolls, revenue records) can provide lists of households or landholdings for sampling purposes. Large-scale maps of the survey area help investigators orient themselves on the ground and accurately locate features observed during the survey.

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(ii) Field Observation:

Investigators' ability to keenly observe the landscape is crucial for collecting information. Field observation involves noting the characteristics and spatial relationships of geographical phenomena firsthand.

• Sketching: Drawing field sketches helps capture prominent landscape features and spatial relationships visually, enhancing understanding and strengthening explanations.
• Photography: Using photographs allows capturing the visual reality of the landscape, objects, or activities relevant to the study.

If detailed maps are unavailable, investigators can prepare a sketch map or notional map of the survey area based on a reconnaissance survey. This process aids familiarity with the area by requiring careful observation and plotting of features.

All observations must be systematically recorded, as memorizing everything is impossible. Using appropriate categories and schemes for note-taking helps organize information. Brief interactions with locals or referring to existing records can clarify observations and ensure accurate recording.

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(iii) Measurement:

Some field surveys, especially those requiring precise analysis, involve making on-site measurements of specific objects or events. This requires carrying relevant equipment.

• Appropriate equipment enables precise measurement of characteristics.
• Examples of equipment include measuring tapes (for distance/size), weighing machines (for samples like soil), pH meters or strips (for soil/water acidity/alkalinity), and thermometers (for temperature).

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(iv) Interviewing:

Field surveys dealing with social issues heavily rely on gathering information directly from people through personal interviews. Individuals' experiences, knowledge about their environment, and daily lives are valuable data sources.

• Tools: Interviews can be structured using pre-designed questionnaires or schedules. Participatory appraisal methods, like social mapping, resource mapping, and group discussions, are also used, encouraging community involvement in sharing information and perspectives.
• Basic Information: Essential background information about the respondent (location, socio-economic status) must be noted alongside their responses. This helps in categorizing and compiling information for analysis.
• Coverage (Census or Sample): The investigator must decide whether to survey the entire population of the study area (census) or select a representative sample. A census is feasible for smaller areas or when studying diverse elements. Sampling is necessary for large areas, ensuring the sample represents different segments of the population.
• Units of Study: The primary units from which data will be collected (e.g., households, land parcels, business units) must be clearly defined.
• Sample Design: If sampling, the plan for selecting samples (size and method) must be determined based on survey objectives, population variability, and practical constraints (cost, time).
• Cautions: Interviewing human groups is sensitive and requires sincerity and caution. Investigators should be aware of cultural differences, maintain a respectful demeanor, use simple language, avoid making false promises or irritating questions, and ensure privacy during responses. Responses should be accurately recorded.

Compilation And Computation

After collecting various types of information during fieldwork, it needs to be organized for interpretation and analysis to meet the survey objectives.

• Notes, field sketches, photographs, and case study details should be organized according to the sub-themes of the study.
• Data from questionnaires and schedules should be systematically tabulated, either manually on a master sheet or digitally in spreadsheet software (like MS Excel).

Spreadsheet software facilitates data entry, organization, and computation of various indicators and descriptive statistics. Assigning unique codes to households and individuals, and organizing data by type on separate sheets helps in efficient data management.

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Verification and Consistency Checks: After data entry, random verification and checks for internal consistency (cross-totals, checking against expected minimum/maximum values or related variables) are necessary to ensure data accuracy.

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Computation of Indices: Calculating indices and ratios from the collected data is crucial for analysis. Indices can measure:

• State of well-being (based on assets, income, expenditure, nutrition).
• Determinants of chronic poverty (social class, household size, education, landholding, occupation, assets, gender equality).
• Consequences of poverty (gender discrimination, literacy, employment, assets, expenditure patterns).

Cartographic Applications

Visual representations like tables, diagrams, graphs, and maps are effective tools for showing variations and patterns in the collected data. These presentations enhance the description and analysis in the field report.

• Tables summarize data according to relevant categories (e.g., landholding size, social class).
• Diagrams and graphs (like bar diagrams, pie charts) provide visual comparisons and highlight trends.
• Maps visualize spatial patterns (e.g., distribution of resources, services, or specific social groups).

Presentations

The final field study report should systematically present all aspects of the investigation. It includes a detailed account of the procedures, methods, tools, and techniques used.

The main part of the report focuses on interpreting and analyzing the collected information, supported by tables, charts, statistical inferences, maps, and references to existing literature.

The report should conclude with a summary of the major findings and inferences drawn from the field survey.

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Based on this procedure, students, in consultation with their teacher, can select a specific problem, prepare a plan, and conduct the field survey, often working as a team.

Field Survey: Case Studies

Field surveys are valuable for studying various geographical issues and problems at a local level. The choice of a specific case study topic depends on the characteristics of the area being surveyed and the issues relevant to it (e.g., droughts in low rainfall areas, floods in high rainfall areas, pollution near industrial zones).

The syllabus includes potential case study topics such as Groundwater Change, Environmental Pollution, Soil Degradation, Poverty, Droughts and Floods, Energy Issues, and Land Use Survey/Change Detection.

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Instructions for the Students: Before undertaking the field survey, students should prepare a detailed blueprint in consultation with the teacher. This includes identifying the specific area, obtaining maps, clarifying objectives, and preparing a well-structured questionnaire. The teacher should emphasize ethical conduct during interviews, using simple language, avoiding sensitive questions, honesty about the survey's purpose, and accurate recording of responses.

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