Question

How has the field of geography evolved from the 19th century to today?

The advent of GPS has limited geographers' understanding of the world.
Geographers accept the theory of environmental determinism more widely than they did in the past.
Since the advent of GIS, geographers no longer use single-layer maps.
Geographers now focus more on theoretical principles than on practical applications of geography.
O The use of scientific method and mathematical reasoning has resulted in more accurate maps over time."

Answer 1

Geography has evolved from the environmentally deterministic approaches of the 19th century to a scientifically supported discipline, with the quantitative revolution in the 1960s and advancements in GIS marking major milestones. The field now encompasses critical theoretical work and practical applications in understanding spatial data and global phenomena.

Step-by-step explanation:

Evolution of Geography from the 19th Century to Today

The field of geography has undergone significant changes since the 19th century. Initially, geography took a environmental determinism approach, attempting to identify causal links between the environment and cultural practices. This perspective was intensely scrutinized, especially after its affiliation with the eugenics movement and Fascism around World War II, leading to its fall from favor. A major shift occurred with the quantitative revolution in the 1960s, when geographers began to adopt scientific methodologies and spatial statistics, focusing on discovering general patterns. Advances in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) throughout the last quarter-century have revolutionized the way geographers collect, store, manipulate, and analyze spatial data, embracing what is known as 'big data'.

In contrast to the once-dominant environmental determinism, there has been a surge in theoretical exploration within the field since the 1970s. This is part of a broader 'cultural turn' where geographers play a role in critical geography, analyzing the mechanics that govern the production and maintenance of knowledge itself. The tools of modern geography, like GIS, are foundational, allowing geographers to address complex issues across various fields.

Despite the innovative strides made in academic and practical applications, many perceive geography as mere trivia, a misconception reinforced by the dominance of regional geography at the K-12 and introductory college levels. Nonetheless, geography remains a dynamic discipline, often surprising newcomers with its diverse applications and career opportunities. It continues to be vital in understanding the world and generates significant impacts in both the public and private sectors.