Observation:

This method involves the critical use of the eye to get the geographical information in the field. It is used by moving around the area of study.

Advantages:

• It involves direct seeing and therefore one can get first hand information
• It overcomes the problem of language barrier.
• Data can be obtained without personal contact hence faster and time saving
• Gives a chance for one to judge the facts on the ground
• Help to predict the general future of the phenomena e.g. the nature of commodities sold in market.
• It is cheaper.

Disadvantages:

• It may be limited during bad weather e.g. fog, mist and physical obstructions like thorny bushes, swamps, cliffs, thick forests, mountains / hills etc.
• Information obtained is highly subjective depending on individual preference or biasness.
• Some information cannot be obtained by this method e.g. historical background, sources of income etc.
• Poor sight
• Faulty apparatus
• In accessibility e.g. slippery ground or boggy swamps.