Introduction To Practical Geography

1. Understand and apply basic concepts in elementary map reading and making.
2. Interpret topographical, geological, and thematic maps.
3. Analyze aerial photographs and satellite imagery.
4. Apply land surveying techniques for data acquisition.
5. Utilize remote sensing and GIS for spatial data analysis.
6. Present geographical data graphically and cartographically.

13 weeks, about 28 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1: Overview of geographic land forms and features

   • Unit 1: Latitudes and Longitudes and Tropics · 2 hours

     Define latitude, longitude, and tropics.. Understand the characteristics of latitude, longitude, and tropics.. Explain the bases of grouping geographical locations.. Determine geographical coordinates and tropical characteristics..

2. Week 2Module 1: Overview of geographic land forms and features

   • Unit 2: Measurement on Maps · 2 hours

     Carry out distance measurements between locations on the map.. Determine location reference bearing of places on the map.. Carry out area measurement on maps.. Get acquainted with the use of GPS devices for place location and distance measurement..

3. Week 3Module 1: Overview of geographic land forms and features

   • Unit 3: Relief Representation (Conical hill, plateau, valley, Ridge and spur, cliff) · 2 hours

     Identify major map relief features.. Classify and interpret different slopes as presented by contour lines.. Analyse and develop inferences from terrain configuration.. Calculate vertical and horizontal interval for gradient analysis..

4. Week 4Module 2: Geographical data acquisition techniques

   • Unit 1: Land surveying (Lineaments, tachymetry, area and altitude) · 2 hours

     Understand how map data are acquired through manual and electronic devices.. Understand types of surveying and their role in the built environment.. Have basic knowledge of Aerial photograph and interpretation elements.. Understand Satellite imagery platforms and characteristics.

5. Week 5Module 2: Geographical data acquisition techniques

   • Unit 2: Aerial photography · 2 hours

     Introduce student to the origin of aerial photography and survey.. Expose student to the use of aircraft and sensors in spatial data collection.. Understand the basic principles of air photography.. Understand the areas of applications of aerial photography..

6. Week 6Module 2: Geographical data acquisition techniques

   • Unit 3: Satellite imagery · 2 hours

     Expose student to advanced spatial data acquisition techniques. Acquit the student with satellite imageries and its characteristics. Reveal to students the merit and demerits of the various spatial data acquisition techniques. Expose student to basic remote sensing activities and platforms. Expose student to basic sensors and Electromagnetic Spectrum windows.

7. Week 7Module 3: Elementary map and Image interpretation

   • Unit 1: Types of map scale · 2 hours

     Understand the major types of map scale and conventional signs.. Understand basic image interpretation elements.. Carryout map reduction and enlargement.. Describe the distributional pattern of each of the features separately.. Carryout map digitization (On-screen and Tablet)..

8. Week 8Module 3: Elementary map and Image interpretation

   • Unit 2: Map Conventional Signs · 2 hours

     Acquaint with major map universal symbols. Assist to read and understand map and image features on maps. Prepare for group or congress meeting on map related programmes. Derive meaningful information from maps for decision support.

9. Week 9Module 3: Elementary map and Image interpretation

   • Unit 3: Image interpretation elements · 2 hours

     Acquit with the principles of image interpretation. Assist to interpret and understand imagery features. Prepare for group or congress meeting on image related programmes. Derive meaningful information from imageries for decision support.

10. Week 10Module 3: Elementary map and Image interpretation

    • Unit 4: Map Reduction and Enlargement · 2 hours

      Understand instrumentation and purpose of map manipulation. Understand map Reduction processes. Understand map Enlargement processes.

11. Week 11Module 3: Elementary map and Image interpretation

    • Unit 5: Map Digitization (On-screen and Tablet) · 2 hours

      Understand and the usefulness of digitizers in spatial data analysis.. Differentiate between manual and computer aided digitization.. Give operational steps for tablet and on-screen digitization.. Acquit with Problems associated with map Digitization generally..

12. Week 12Module 4: Element of cartography

    • Unit 1: History of maps · 2 hours

      Understand and appreciate the labour of the Ptolemaeus's Geographers and historians. Understand the trends and the processes of map production metamorphoses and applications.. Understand the true definition and use of maps as against the layman knowledge.. Understand the role of maps in general human society..

13. Week 13Module 4: Element of cartography

    • Unit 2: Map classification and symbols · 2 hours

      Assist to differentiate between maps when inundated with some.. Know exactly what it takes to prepare any given map at a point in place and time.. Get use to subject maps, especially thematic maps and their uses.. Be acquitted with the common map symbols that can aid in reading and extract embedded information for decision purposes..

    • Unit 3 Basic form-lines, contouring and cross-sections · 2 hours

      Identify common relief features for analysis. Understand design cross section and interpretation.. Know the processes involved in producing cross section of designs and relief sections..