To measure is to establish or estimate the distances, volumes, quantities, heights, sizes, areas by calibrated and non calibrated instruments like tape measurers, metre rulers, weighing scales, jerrican, tins, jars, ropes, sticks and others.

The measurements recorded are later used by the researcher to analyse the data, draw maps, diagrams and so on which may be relevant to the study. To show how the method was used, take any one instrument used and describe how you used it to measure.

Advantages

 

Disadvantages:

-           It is tiresome because a lot of time is needed

-           It is limited by:

 

(i)         Physical obstruction like thick vegetation, poor drainage, steep slopes and others.

(ii)        Obsolete instruments / tools

(iii)       Inaccurate and inadequate instruments

(iv)       Misreading data

(v)        Estimation like use of sticks may give wrong information

(vi)       Sudden rain

 

Pacing

 

This is an aspect of measurement. It involves walking with regular steps or paces.

 

Advantages:

Reduce the costs i.e. tape measures are not required

It is convenient

The Field worker using pacing as a method, is able to critically see the geographical features like changes in soils and can clearly arrive at geographical conclusions.

 

Disadvantages:

-           This method can give in accurate figures since it depends on estimation

-           It is limited by:

(i)         physical disability

(ii)        physical obstruction like pacing across a river, dense forests, poor drainage, steep slopes and others.

 

Note:  Questions on methods requires that one defines the method used explains how the method was used in data collection and what information was obtained

 

The questions also ask for the merits or advantages of using the method and the problems encountered or disadvantages faced by using a particular method.

 

The merits should be tied the method used and the information given should be given as evidence. The problems encountered should be tied to the method and the information missed by facing that problem should be given as evidence.

 

 

Field sketches drawn:

 

(a)        Sketch maps of an area of study.

Sketch maps are drawn directly in the field or from map extract / survey maps to show the information collected (physical features and man-made features). The sketch maps should have: the Title, key / labeling, compass direction and Frame.

 

(b)        Transect

This involves drawing of a cross section of an area observed from one point to another e.g. from the east to west or north to south. Therefore it involves the physical movement of the researcher across the area of study observing and recording charges in relief, altitude, types of soils, vegetation and land use, patterns which are then presented on a cross section thereafter.
Panorama:

This involves sketching geographical phenomena while standing at a view point. For example sketching a landscape from a distance showing settlements, vegetation and other land uses. It shows both artificial and natural features.