Landscape Approach of Human #geography || By-Sagarika Nag

Summary

In this video, Sagarika from Geography Institute delves into the landscape approach in human geography, focusing on its significance in understanding how humans interact with and modify landforms. She traces the concept's origins to Carl's 1925 work, *Morphology of Landscape*, and explores the dynamic nature of landscapes shaped by human activities. The video covers the distinction between physical and social landscapes, their applications in remote sensing, GIS, and urban planning, and the role of landscape studies in addressing cultural, social, and environmental challenges, making it an essential guide for students preparing for geography exams.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Landscape Approach in Human Geography is a key topic for second-semester honors students, focused on understanding the relationship between humans and landforms.
• 😀 The term 'landscape' was first introduced by Carl in 1925 in his book *Morphology of Landscape*.
• 😀 A landscape is developed when natural landforms are transformed through human intelligence and activities.
• 😀 Landscape is **elastic**, **dynamic**, and **changeable over time**, influenced by human actions such as construction and development.
• 😀 The landscape approach involves studying both the **physical** and **social** landscapes: physical landscapes include natural features like rivers and hills, while social landscapes focus on human-made structures like houses and factories.
• 😀 The landscape approach highlights the importance of **land use planning** and how land can be developed for different purposes, such as city planning and resource management.
• 😀 Studying landscapes helps understand how **human activities** interact with natural environments and can guide future development and planning.
• 😀 Key applications of the landscape approach include **remote sensing, satellite imaging**, and **GIS** for surveying, mapping, and monitoring land changes.
• 😀 The landscape approach also contributes to social and environmental issues, such as protests against environmental destruction (e.g., the Narmada movement).
• 😀 The ultimate goal of the landscape approach is to balance **human needs** with **environmental preservation**, ensuring that development does not harm the environment.
• 😀 The landscape approach is used in applied fields like **wetland development** through GIS and improving the quality of life through better land use and planning.

Q & A

What is the landscape approach in human geography?

The landscape approach in human geography refers to studying the landforms and their modifications through natural processes and human activities. It focuses on how landscapes change over time due to human intervention, reflecting the dynamic relationship between humans and the environment.

Who first introduced the concept of landscape in human geography?

The concept of landscape was first introduced by Carl in 1925 in his book *Morphology of Landscape*. He expanded on the ideas of earlier thinkers like Humboldt and Heiter.

What are the key characteristics of a landscape according to the landscape approach?

A landscape is elastic, dynamic, and changeable with time. It is shaped by both natural landforms and human activities, reflecting human intelligence and adaptations in land use.

What is the difference between physical and social landscapes?

A physical landscape includes natural features like mountains, rivers, and plateaus, shaped by natural processes. A social landscape refers to human-made environments such as buildings, factories, and infrastructure, which reflect social, cultural, and technological developments.

What role does human activity play in shaping the landscape?

Human activity plays a significant role in shaping the landscape. It alters natural landforms to create usable environments, such as developing agricultural land, constructing cities, or transforming rivers for water supply and trade.

Why is the landscape approach important for understanding human geography?

The landscape approach is important because it helps to understand how human activities and natural processes interact to form the environment around us. This approach provides insights into land use, resource management, urbanization, and environmental conservation.

How did the use of technology impact the study of landscapes in the 1970s?

In the 1970s, the introduction of remote sensing systems, satellite images, and aerial photos revolutionized the study of landscapes. These technologies allowed for faster and more efficient surveying, providing critical insights into land use and environmental changes.

What is GIS and how does it apply to landscape studies?

GIS (Geographic Information System) is a technology that collects, analyzes, and visualizes geographic data. It is used in landscape studies to track environmental changes, plan land use, and monitor the health of ecosystems, such as wetlands.

What are the applied fields of the landscape approach?

The applied fields of the landscape approach include urban planning, resource management, environmental conservation, and addressing social, cultural, and political problems. It helps in planning sustainable development and mitigating environmental degradation.

How does the landscape approach contribute to resolving environmental and social issues?

The landscape approach helps in identifying and understanding environmental and social issues by studying the relationship between human activities and land use. This knowledge can lead to better planning, conservation efforts, and addressing challenges like pollution, resource depletion, and urbanization.