Fieldwork techniques

Information and instructions for a range of techniques that can be used by students to carry out geographical fieldwork investigations in different locations and settings.  These resources can be used by teachers as a teaching aid, and also by students to assist with revision.

Since 2008, AS and A2 geography specifications have changed.

	Sketching and photography Field sketching and field photography are fundamental parts of any field work investigation.
	Sampling techniques An appropriate sampling strategy is adopted to obtain a representative, and statistically valid sample of the whole.
	Coasts Beach profiles, sediment analysis, measuring longshore drift, cliff surveys.
	Microclimate Wind speed and direction, temperature, relative humidity and light levels, precipitation.
	Rivers Cross-sections, velocity, sediment analysis.
	Ecosystems Sand dune transects, woodland transects, soil analysis, invertebrate sampling, freshwater invertebrate sampling, water quality measurements, zone sampling.
	Rural investigations Land-use and function surveys, rural services provision, rural changes and issues investigations.
	Human impact studies Investigating pollution, carrying out an enviornmental impact assessment, judgement surveys and environmental evaluation surveys.
	Tourism and recreation Impact of tourism and recreation, impact of new tourism and recreation developments.
	Urban and settlement Investigating landuse and function, retailing and commerce investigations, urban changes and issues.
	Fieldwork technology Free GIS and maps, Google Earth, ESRI ArcGIS, Infomapper, geocaching, geotagging, soundscapes.
	Transport Investigating provision, investigating issues and management.
	Investigating opinions Carrying out interview surveys, conducting questionnaires.