Applied Geography

Applied Geographers have the knowledge tools and skills to help resolve these conflicts and play an essential part within a multi-cultural world in which understanding tolerance and sensitivity are fundamental to social and economic well-being and to the good management of our natural environment. Geography was always applied long before it became an identified academic discipline; much geographical knowledge was created for specific purposes. Since the discipline was established individuals have used their knowledge in a wide range of contexts and for various types of clients. For the first half of the 20th century the development of geography as an academic discipline was closely associated with its educational role especially in the preparation of teachers and of teaching materials. Increasingly however geographers responded to societal changes—especially the extending role of the state—by promoting their discipline as a potential contributor in a range of activities. Some like L. Dudley Stamp argued that geographers’ factual knowledge regarding environments and places plus their understanding of spatial organization principles should be applied in town city country and regional planning. This could just involve information provision but increasingly it was argued that geographical analyses could inform the understanding of current patterns and trends and the preparation of plans for the future. Such geographical involvement expanded in the late 20th century as pressures grew on universities to orient their work more to societal needs and to undertake applied research for public- and private-sector sponsors. A useful book for those who are interested in the study of this subject. It may equally be liked by the general readers interested in studying the topic as also the academics public administrators and practitioners. Contents: • Population Geography • Economic Geography • Political Geography • Regional Planning • Geography of India