Geography Notes on Human-Nature Interaction

Geography Notes

• Mental Maps: Include human elements, labels, annotations, descriptions, details (legend, direction, scale, title, amenities), and insights (individual). Fieldwork, Geog-SAQ, DRQ, GI (fieldwork) can be used. Examples: overall trends, anomalies, description/explanation for additional points

• Relationship Between Humans & Nature: Humans depend on nature for essentials like air and water to survive and for continuous food supplies. Natural environments provide space for recreation, and contribute to physical and mental wellbeing. One example is Nparks Therapeutic Gardens.

• Sustainable Use of Nature: People should use nature areas sustainably. Individuals can encourage the health of both people and nature. Examples include Nparks' Green Wave campaign and avoiding areas where damage may occur.

• Urban Wildlife & Humans: Urban wildlife enhances human activities and biodiversity. Reforestation, and the preservation of habitat for wildlife can be encouraged. Benefits to humans include enjoyment of green spaces and enhanced mental and physical wellbeing.

Air Pollution and Improvement

• Air Quality Improvement: Clean air can be achieved by removing pollutants through photosynthesis, absorbing CO2 and other pollutants in the air. This improves water quality. Outdoor activities can be provided to enhance the health and wellbeing of people.

• Raising Awareness: Promote collective awareness to encourage positive behavior towards nature and conservation. Organizations like NParks can help with this.

Human-Wildlife Conflicts

• Causes: Conflicts escalate when human expansion reduces natural habitats, and animals seek food/shelter in areas populated by humans. Increased outdoor recreation and efforts in areas such as landscaping can be factors.

• Mitigation: Addressing the frequent attacks and managing the animals' fear of people reduces conflict. Increased protection for animals and awareness for people involved are needed.

Sense of Place

• Definitions/Relationships: Sense of place refers to the meanings and memories associated with a neighbourhood. Sense of place reflects the relationships people have with places, and builds a sense of identity. Memories and experience make up a place's meaning

• Importance: Sense of place is vital to build identity, and is both personal and subjective. The sense of place is enhanced through interactions with people and objects in a neighbourhood.

Representation of Place

• Media: Various media (e.g. texts, audio, graphics, still/moving images) represent places. These can include Instagram, organizations, and internet-based media. Representations might agree, enhance, or contradict each other, thereby affecting perceptions.

• Challenges: Different perceptions of a location can result in disagreements and feelings of distortion. Greater appreciation of the area can be developed through understanding how the media represents it.

Spatial Patterns

• Organization: Spatial patterns are non-random arrangements that have recognisable shapes or clusters, e.g. public bus stops that are located at regular intervals. Spatial patterns are often related to factors like industries, resources, and activities linked with the environment. Understanding global, regional, and local scales helps understand where different events take place.

• Spatial Scales: Spatial scales in Singapore involve different levels, from smaller areas to broader ones such as global, regions, countries, and provinces.

• Neighborhoods: Neighbourhoods vary in size and can be categorized based on environmental characteristics (nature regions, commercial/residential buildings) geographical location (northern/southern/western/eastern) and human characteristics.

Types of Data Collection

• Data Collection Methods: Primary data is collected directly (e.g., photos, questionnaires). Secondary data is sourced from others (e.g., articles, maps). Quantitative data is measurable (e.g., numbers), while qualitative data is descriptive (e.g., opinions).

• Data Analysis: Using observation, identification, and analysis of patterns with trends is part of the process of collecting data. Limitations and accessibility must be taken into account.

Population Sampling

• Sampling Methods: Probability sampling uses random selection; examples include simple random sampling and stratified random sampling. Non-probability sampling relies on subjective or convenient choice of participants (e.g., convenience sampling or quota sampling).

• Risks: Hazards/risks like cuts, falls may arise, so the importance of careful attention to safety measures cannot be underestimated. Appropriate clothing and correct footwear must be worn.

Questionnaires

• Predefined Responses: Predefined responses (e.g., phrases, words, numbers) make analysis easier. Rating scales and frequency scales help obtain opinions.

• Mental Maps: Mental maps are used to understand how people think visually and spatially about their environment. Mental maps help to understand their perceptions and how they experience places.