Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
the application of geographic knowledge and skills to the
resolution of social, economic and environmental
problems
.
The question of how best to attain this goal
will be addressed later in the discussion. Here it is
appropriate to conclude these introductory
comments by examining the academic niche for
applied geography, and in particular the question
of whether applied geography constitutes a sub-
field of geography or an approach to the subject.
These issues represent more than a simple question
of semantics. In essence, a sub-field of a discipline
is expected to generate its own body of theory
and methodology, whereas an approach has its
rationale founded on a particular philosophy (such
as relevance or social usefulness) and can employ
appropriate theory, concepts and methodology
from across the discipline and elsewhere.
Designating the area a sub-field of geography
invites criticism of applied geography as lacking a
coherent structure and characterised by a
pragmatic approach. Johnston (1994: p. 21), for
example, concluded that 'there is no central
theoretical core or corpus of techniques; rather the
sub-field has been characterised by ad hoc
approaches to the problems posed, drawing on the
perceived relevant skills and information'. This
critique, which could be levelled at many sub-
fields of geography, is based on a misunderstanding
of the appropriate academic niche for applied
geography. Identification of a theoretical core or a
unified concept (such as the hydrological cycle in
hydrology or the energy budget in climatology) is
necessary only for a subject area that seeks to
establish itself as a distinct sub-field or branch of a
discipline. Applied geography does not harbour
such parochial ambition and is best viewed as an
approach that can bring together researchers from
across the range of sub-fields in geography, either
in the prosecution of a particular piece of research
or in terms of an enduring commitment to the
ethos of the approach. For applied geography, the
unifying concept is not a specific model or theory
but the fundamental philosophy of relevance or
usefulness to society. This 'core', which extends
beyond the confines of any single sub-field,
represents a powerful and clearly articulated
rationale. Furthermore, applied geographers
would contend that the identification and
application of relevant theory, concepts and
techniques both from within geography and across
disciplinary boundaries is a positive strength, not a
weakness, of the applied geography approach.
Definitions and critiques that seek to establish
applied geography as a branch or sub-field of
geography are misplaced. As Herbertson indicated
a century ago, applied geography is best seen not
as a sub-field but as an approach that can be
applied across all branches of geography.
THE CONCEPT OF USEFUL
KNOWLEDGE
The concept of useful knowledge will no doubt
upset a number of practising geographers. Those
who do not see themselves as applied geographers
may interpret the subtitle of this topic— 'an
introduction to useful research in physical,
environmental and human geography' —as
indicating a corollary in the shape of geographical
research that is less useful or even useless. This
would be a misinterpretation. The subtitle for the
topic was selected to express the fundamental
ethos of applied geography rather than to annoy
'non-applied' geographers. The choice of subtitle
represents a deliberate decision to get off the fence
and make explicit the view that some kinds of
research are more useful than others. This is not
the same as saying that some geographical research
is better than other work—all knowledge is
useful—but some kinds of research and
knowledge are more useful than other kinds in
terms of their ability to interpret and offer
solutions to problems in contemporary physical
and human environments.
We can illustrate this point by comparing the
contents of the present volume on
applied geography
with two other geographical agendas, separated by
a timespan of fifty years. The first of these is the
'mission statement' delivered by the eminent
historical geographer H.C.Darby in his inaugural
lecture in the University of Liverpool. In Darby's
(1946) view, his goal as a teacher of geography was
