Introduction to natural geography

Expeditions and fieldwork have always been an integral part of research in natural geography. In these methods, the geographer goes to the site of their research and, using a variety of measuring instruments, makes the necessary observations of the environment. For example, changes in climatic weather conditions are measured using thermometers and anemometers, whereas the water cycle is studied by measuring rainfall and river flow. Landforms are studied using photographs, field drawings and soil samples.

Field surveys and the observations collected through them provide very detailed information from small areas. With these methods, it is possible to examine e.g. the impact of individual felled trees on a flying squirrel population or changes in the bottom of a single river from year to year.

Technological advances have made it possible to measure and locate the phenomena under study with great precision, ease and speed. For example, a researcher can use a drone whose precise position is continuously determined by GPS to study the shape of an area’s terrain. A camera and measurement system mounted on the drone uses laser beams to capture and measure the shapes of the surrounding environment, right down to the bottom of water. This provides three-dimensional data down to the centimetre level, enabling the exploration of large areas without touching the subject. The measurement data can be transmitted immediately by telephone, internet or satellite. The measurement can then be repeated on a yearly basis, as long-term research allows us to detect changes in the environment.

Computer models of areas can be made using precise measurement data. The virtual model can also be turned into a physical object, if necessary. This involves creating an accurate three-dimensional model of the measured environment using a 3D printer. Today, many measuring devices placed in the environment also automatically transmit the data they collect. This technology has greatly facilitated fieldwork and research in the field of natural geography.

Today, more and more environmental information is also available in the form of pre-collected data. This is provided by instruments that continuously monitor the state and change of the environment around the world, and by satellites that map changes in the environment. Remote sensing is carried out by satellites that image and measure the Earth's surface and atmosphere. This data is increasingly freely available as open data, which can be accessed, edited and redistributed by anyone with access to the internet. As a result, a significant and growing proportion of natural geography research can now be carried out from an office, relying only on a laptop, internet access and off-the-shelf databases. However, a deep understanding of the role of location and spatial interactions in the phenomena and environment under study remains essential.

The results of natural geography research and forecasting models are useful and often necessary for developing the society and the local area. They are often based on many years of research into the phenomenon under consideration. For example, it is possible to study river flow and flooding over many years and use this information to map flood risk areas downstream. This is useful when planning the location of new developments in relation to the river, or when precautions for existing residents in the event of future flooding.

Google Earth: Timelapses based on satellite imagery

Natural geography uses geomedia to retrieve, present and manipulate geographic information. Geomedia refers to geographic information resources such as maps, images, statistics, map services and spatial data sets.