Geographical Data Analysis and Interpretations
Geographical data refers to data about objects, events or phenomenon that are attached to geographical location. It combines locational data and descriptive data.
Locational data refers to data which are presented on maps as point, lines or polygon depending on the geometric configuration of the respective objects, event or phenomenon. Example, roads, rivers, electric lines and railway are presented as lines; while features such as houses, boreholes, wells and bus stops are presented as point, whereas plots, village boundaries, lakes and football ground area are presented as polygons.
Descriptive data are data which characterizes objects, event or phenomenon. Descriptive data are presented in tables with columns representing individual objects, events or phenomenon.
Generally; Location data are acquired through land surveying, GPS Surveying and Aerial photograph while Descriptive data are acquired through observations, surveys, focus group discussion and interviews.
Processing geographical data
Geographical data processing refers to filtering the data to minimize and correct any errors brought about by the process of data gathering.
The researcher ought to review the quantity of data and identify any errors in a set of data and make necessary corrections or decide to discard the default data, if it is likely to affect the conclusion to be drawn from the latter stages of the research process.
Additionally, data processing helps to ensure that the questionnaire is complete. It is also useful in organization of the collected data ready for analysis.
Geographical data analysis
Geographical data analysis refers to the process of turning gathered data (collected information) into information that has a meaning.
Objectives of data analysis are;
To enable the researcher to summarize data
Ascertain the relationship between variables
To Compare variables
To Find differences between variables
To forecast outcomes
Factors/criteria/variables influencing geographical data analysis
The type of data collected
The goal of the study (aim of the study)
The scope of the study
The experience of the researcher
The type of research instrument/tool employed in data collection example, questionnaire, interview or Focus Group Discussion.
CHAPTER 1: GEOGRAPHICAL DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATIONS – GEOGRAPHY FORM FIVE NEW
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