FIELDWORK

Definition of Fieldwork

Is the practical collection of geographical information about the natural physical phenomena, social establishments, peoples’ opinions and feelings, etc.

It is the art of using local ground/field for investigating geographical phenomenon or happenings. Field work is a laboratory for testing geographical facts.

This is the practical aspect of Geography where students go out of the classroom to study geographical features.

Reasons for Carrying out Fieldwork

1.To obtain original information or data about a geographical feature or aspect.  Such information may not exist in a documented form.

2.To obtain up-to-date information about an area.  This is because the environment is always changing.

3.To gather first hand information that may not be distorted in any way.

4. To relate what has been studied in class with real examples in the field in order to understand them better.
5. To obtain and acquire skills in research methods e.g. interviewing, observation, questionnaire method, etc.
6. To obtain and acquire skills in the use of geographical equipment.
7. To obtain and acquire skills in map drawing or cartography
8. To expose oneself to a variety of environments and socio-economic   conditions so as to broaden one’s   experience.
9. To provide an opportunity for relaxation from routine classroom teaching.

TERMS USED IN FIELDWORK

STAGES OF CARRYING OUT FIELDWORK

There are basically three stages of conducting fieldwork and these include;

• Preparation and planning
• Data collection
• Follow-up activities

1. PREFIELD WORK STAGE/PREPARATORY STAGE.

This is the very first stage which involves all activities done before going out for the real field work excursion and involves the following steps;

1. Pilot study. It refers to the first visit to the intended area of study before the real field work is conducted in the field. Its purpose is to ascertain the feasibility of the intended study, seek permission from the relevant local authorities, make necessary bookings, evaluate the time required for the actual field work excursion etc.
2. Formulation of the topic of study. This is the second step after the pilot study and the topic of study is formulated basing on the information got from the pilot study [after ascertaining that it is feasible to conduct the intended research in that particular area]. The topic should clearly WHAT is to be studied, WHERE the study is to be conducted and it should also show a geographical relationship. E.g. The growth and development of Nakigalala tea plantation, kajjansi town council, wakiso district.
3. Formulation and stating of objectives. These are formulated basing on the topic of study already stated and should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and should be related to the topic of study. The following phrases may be used while stating the objectives; To find out….,To discover….,To asses….,To identify….  Examples of  stated objectives may include;

• To find out the location of nakigalala tea plantation.
• To find out the nature of relief at nakigalala tea plantation.
• To assess the effects of nakigalala tea plantation on the environment.

4. Selection of data collection methods/techniques. These are used as means of gathering data in the field of study. They are selected basing on the topic of study and the objectives that have already been formulated and stated. These include the following; observation, recording, interviewing, sampling, questionnaire, measurement, pacing, map orientation, documentary analysis[literature review],
5. Identification and collection of tools/instruments to be used in the field. Tools are help while using the different methods in the field of study to gather data and these may include the following; stationery

   , tape measure, hand hoes, spades, tins, strings, cameras, audio recorders, compasses ,binoculars, base maps etc.

6. Seeking permission. This step involves seeking permission from the different relevant stake holders for instance in a school setting permission must be got from the school administration to allow students move out of school to conduct field work, the parents also must permit their children to go away from school to carry out field work.
7. Formation of groups. This will apply when field work is to be conducted as a group like a class at school. Here different groups are made and given different names like A, B, D and different tasks are assigned to each group. This is basically done for easy management and collection of data while in the field of study.
8. This is the very last step at this stage [preparatory stage]. At this moment the researcher moves out to go and interact with the environment in the area of study.

TOOLS OF DATA COLLECTION / FIELDWORK EQUIPMENT

The following tools or equipment may be used when collecting information in the field:

1. Stationery:

Writing and drawing equipment i.e. paper, pencil, pens etc. for recording or sketching.

2. Field Compass/Prismatic Compass:

To determine or find out direction or bearing while in the field.

Prismatic compass                                                                  Magnetic  compass

3. Binoculars/Telescopes:

    To observe distant objects or features in the field.

4. Maps:

Survey maps may be used for map reading and base maps could be used for filling in observable features in the field.

5. Excavation Tools:

Tools like hand hoes, spades and mattocks for digging in order to reveal the soil profile.

Binoculars

6. Measurement equipment:

Such as tape measures, metres rulers etc. for obtaining information about distance.

7. Weather instruments:

Such as a rain gauge, sixth’s thermometer, hygrometer, sunshine recorder etc. for the measurement and recording of the elements of weather.

Binoculars

Telescope

Barometer

Wind anemometer and Rain Gauge  

8. Cameras:

For example video cameras/camcorders and still photograph cameras.  This can be used for filming or recording pictures of geographical features and activities.

9. Audio Tape Recorders or Cassette Recorders:

These can be used for recording interviews.

Image Recorders

Camera                                                                                                         Camcorder

Cassette Recorders

10. Questionnaires:

These are forms of printed questions to be filled   in by appropriate persons at their own time and pace.

11. Aerial Photographs:

These may also include Satellite images. They are mainly used for photo reading.

Satellite image of Kampala central

2. ACTUAL FIELDWORK/REAL FIELDWORK EXCURSION/ DATA COLLECTING STAGE.

This is the main stage of carrying out field work and the main activity is data collection. Only data related to the topic of study and objectives should be collected and at this stage the methods of data collection are applied.