Geography is much more than maps.
The world is a global village and geography has a great role to play. Although most people think of terrain when the word geography comes up, it is more than that.
Geography has gone beyond knowing whether a location has highlands or lowlands, or about how the climatic conditions of different areas differ-it encompasses so much more. Geographical studies have spread its wings to space, studying patterns and getting familiar with several phenomena. It also focuses on combining all these fields and understanding how they work together.
Like an octopus with different legs, geography has various sections that work hand in hand. Knowing how to infuse this for the growth of every society is key.
This knowledge is critical in our society so as to understand everything about any race in the world and how we cohabit on earth.
What is Geography?
This is the study of the earth’s surface, physical features, climate and how they interact with each other. It also focuses on the relationship between man and the environment, the natural resources present and how this determines the growth of any nation.
This is a wide spectrum that doesn’t leave out spatial patterns and how this affects various phenomena on a global scale.
It is no longer news that the knowledge of geography is a must to build and flourish a befitting society for mankind.
Importance of Geography in our Society
1. It facilitates navigation
The ability to distinguish between north and south comes from the use of a compass and our knowledge of geography. Knowing how to utilize maps helps us in navigation as we tour the countries of the world.
Geography is also beneficial in discovering and maintaining physical boundaries among different nations and continents of the world.
2. It helps in understanding human behaviour
The study of geography helps us to understand human behaviour. This is because different countries have a set of unspoken rules and beliefs that shape their lifestyle.
Geography also affects the food choices, literature and art forms of individuals across the world.
3. Helps us to understand natural resources
The study of Geography helps us to understand the distribution of natural resources. Factors like the climate and the terrain of the lands of a particular area determine the type of animals and plants that will survive there.
This, therefore, is the major reason why some animals like the African elephant, spotted hyenas and African wild dogs are found only in Africa.
4. It has a connection to geology
Geography is the foundation of Geology, aiding us in better assimilating its intricacies. Geology is all about the scientific study of the composition and processes that form the earth and a foundation in Geography is extremely important to excel yet.
Furthermore, Geology helps us to understand the materials that form the earth and why various locations have diverse weather patterns or why some areas are more prone to earthquakes than others.
5. Fosters a global society
An intense learning of geography fosters a global society. Where people can understand the need for interdependence among nations for survival.
Acknowledging the fact that one country can’t have access to all the natural resources in the world. Hence the importance of having great bilateral relations.
6. Study the Path of History
For a man to know where he is headed, he must know where he is coming from. The culture and heritage of a group of people will not be appreciated without the knowledge of colonization, the formation of countries and their independence.
On a larger scale, it helps us to understand the nature of major conflicts that happened in the world and how they shaped the present-day life of man.
7. Gain knowledge of different cultures
Culture is the way of life of a group of people. Without geography, we won’t know why the Nupe tribe in Nigeria is known for their fine leather and mat work or why the Chinese celebrate the Lantern festival.
8. Enhances communication and reading abilities
Geographical studies improve our spatial awareness, allowing us to better articulate directions and routes of different locations. Doing so enhances our communication skills in sharing this information. Also, gaining map reading skills helps us to comprehend visual information.
Developing cultural competence is also a plus due to the knowledge of diverse cultures encountered on our travels.
9. Expand spatial knowledge
Spatial knowledge is an important aspect of geography that focuses on the interplay between physical and human wonders across space.
It stresses the interpretation of maps, identifying coordinates and understanding patterns in the environment.
10. Provides outdoor learning opportunities
Do you love travelling? Then you might want to take up a college degree connected to Geography as this will allow you to study the landscapes of several countries while enjoying diverse cultures at the same time.
Conclusion
The study of geography contributes immensely to our society. From creating awareness about the different cultural differences that exist in the world today to getting acquainted with the landscapes in several countries.
There are numerous benefits to be gotten from learning this subject with immense contribution to the growth of our society.
Check out this answer guide on the scope of economics.
Researched by Safiya Onayi Ahmed
