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Model of Geographical Enquiry


The Model of Geographical Enquiry is a step-by-step method used by geographers to study any spatial problem — like floods, urban growth, crime, climate change, etc.

It has five stages:

Pattern – What is happening and where?

(Observation and Identification)

This stage identifies the spatial pattern of a phenomenon.

🔎 What we do:

  • Collect data

  • Map the distribution

  • Identify clusters, trends, or hotspots

đź“Ś Example 1: Floods

Suppose we study floods in Kerala.

  • We map flood-affected districts.

  • We notice severe flooding in low-lying river basins.

👉 Pattern: Floods are concentrated near major rivers like Periyar and Pamba.

đź“Ś Example 2: Urban Growth

Using satellite images:

  • We observe built-up area increasing around city centers.

👉 Pattern: Urban expansion is concentrated along highways.

Process – Why is it happening there?

(Explanation and Analysis)

Now we explain the reasons behind the pattern.

🔎 What we do:

  • Analyze causes

  • Study physical and human factors

  • Use statistical or GIS analysis

đź“Ś Example 1: Floods

Why flooding near rivers?

  • Heavy rainfall

  • Encroachment of floodplains

  • Poor drainage

👉 Process: Human settlement in floodplains increases flood risk.

đź“Ś Example 2: Crime

If crime is high in certain wards:

  • High population density

  • Poor street lighting

  • Unemployment

👉 Process: Socio-economic factors influence crime concentration.

Prediction – What might happen next?

(Projection and Modelling)

We use models and trends to forecast future conditions.

🔎 What we do:

  • Use time-series data

  • Apply GIS modelling

  • Use machine learning or regression

đź“Ś Example 1: Urban Sprawl

Based on past 20 years:

  • Built-up area increases 3% per year

👉 Prediction: By 2035, agricultural land may reduce by 20%.

đź“Ś Example 2: Climate

If temperature rises 0.2°C per decade:
👉 Future heatwaves may increase.

Prediction helps in planning.

Policy – What policy frameworks will guide action?

(Formulation and Implementation)

Based on findings, we design policies.

🔎 What we do:

  • Suggest planning rules

  • Recommend environmental regulations

  • Develop zoning laws

đź“Ś Example 1: Flood Management

  • Ban construction in floodplains

  • Improve drainage systems

  • Early warning systems

đź“Ś Example 2: Urban Planning

  • Promote compact city model

  • Protect green spaces

👉 Policy converts research into decision-making.

Practice – How effective are our actions?

(Action and Evaluation)

We check whether policies worked.

🔎 What we do:

  • Monitor outcomes

  • Evaluate success

  • Revise strategies

đź“Ś Example 1: Flood Control

After new drainage system:

  • Flood damage reduced by 30%

👉 Practice shows improvement.

đź“Ś Example 2: Crime Prevention

After installing street lights:

  • Crime rate decreases

👉 Action evaluated and improved.

Flow of Geographical Enquiry

Pattern → Process → Prediction → Policy → Practice

It is a cyclical model. After evaluation, we again observe new patterns and continue the cycle.

Simple Real-World Case Study Example

Topic: Urban Heat Island in a City

1️⃣ Pattern → Higher temperature in city center
2️⃣ Process → Concrete surfaces + less vegetation
3️⃣ Prediction → Temperature may increase further
4️⃣ Policy → Urban greening programs
5️⃣ Practice → Measure temperature after tree plantation

Why This Model is Important

  • Encourages scientific thinking

  • Links theory with real-world action

  • Useful in GIS, Remote Sensing, Climate studies, Crime geography

  • Helps in sustainable development planning

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