Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
settings from the narrow segments of European society that they
chose, or were sometimes commissioned, to depict. Dance and
theatre are diverse throughout the world, but carry messages
about the cultural settings from which they emerged; music
such as the 'blues' emerged from very particular backgrounds.
All of this literature and 'directions' for study add to the skills of
human geographers, or at least increase their awareness of the
diverse sources of information and theories that exist. Whereas
physical geographers have less need to access this increasingly
diverse literature, there is growing awareness of its signifi cance,
particularly among those involved in collaborative projects.
Applied geography
Applied geography proclaims the importance of the empirical
tradition and its relevance to problems of the real world. In
some areas of human geography in particular, this tradition and
the theme of applied geography has been discarded or at least
relegated to a less prominent position. Yet applied geography as
a term brings together these many skills that we have identifi ed
and explored: and offers the opportunity for practical relevance.
Furthermore, it is not really an option to concentrate on either
theory development or applications: there are synergies between
them. As a practice it would be discarded at our peril, and in
reality it continues to make signifi cant contributions.
Applied geography involves the utilization of acquired skills and
knowledge to address problems and issues of the real world. It can
take several forms:
•
As input to policy-making and the setting of research agendas.
It important to engage with international research agencies and
development practice, and this engagement is made through
governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with
far-reaching consequences on research and infl uence on policy.
There are opportunities not just to respond to externally defi ned
