WHAT ARE THE PRINCIPLES OF GEOGRAPHY? - GEOGRAPHY - 2025

The principles of geography are those that must be met by those involved in any study of this science. Among these principles are that of location, description or comparison. Using them, a correct development is reached in any investigation or geographical description.

The term geography comes from the Greek words "Gea", which means Earth, and "spelling", which means "description". Therefore, it is the science that is responsible for describing the planet in all aspects, from its surface, to fauna or landscapes.

The latest technological advances, such as the appearance of satellites or better means of transport, has made this science have advanced a lot in its results.

You may also be interested in the instruments of geography.

Principles of Geography

The principles of geography are those rules that scientists who carry out work in this field have to follow. With them, they make sure that the results obtained meet all the necessary quality standards.

Normally, there are 5 or 6 main principles, depending on the nomenclature and how they are grouped together or viewed separately.

Localization principle

It seems logical that, if we are talking about a science that describes the Earth with all its components, one of its basic principles is that of location. 4

This is nothing more than indicating exactly the place where the analyzed geographical phenomena are located.

In this way, if, for example, the mountainous relief of some place is being studied, its location should be noted, with data such as latitude, longitude, altitude or surface.

Extension or distribution principle

In the same way that occurs with the location of the geographical fact, the student of the matter also has to record the extension that it has.

If it is a river, it must indicate what it measures or, if it speaks of a city, it will leave references of its surface.

Description Principle

As its name indicates, this principle consists of the descriptive explanation of the geographical features on which we are working.

It does not matter if it is about physical, political or social geography, each element must be accompanied by its corresponding description.

Principle of Connection or Relationship

It is not possible to study a geographic fact in isolation, since everything is interrelated.

For example, there is an obvious connection between good weather and population density. This principle reminds us of the importance of contextualizing each phenomenon studied.

Principle of Causality or Origin

No phenomenon that occurs in nature appears without being able to trace its origin or the events that have led to its existence. This also happens in geography and is one of the most important principles.

Principle of Comparison or Analogy

Through this principle, the researcher will establish analogies between various geographical phenomena that occur in different parts of the Earth.

It is a very useful tool to find the origin. An attempt is made to discover coincidences, although the study is located thousands of kilometers from each other.

Principle of Activity or evolution

Nothing on the planet remains unchanged. The action of man or nature causes continuous changes in geographical phenomena.

This principle is responsible for taking this into account, leaving it explained if, for example, a river has been diverted from its natural course or if some animal species has disappeared.

References

1. González, Paz. What is geography? Meaning and principles of this science. Obtained from guioteca.com

2. Lipp, Daniel. Principles of Geography. Recovered from gaea.org.ar
3. Cooper, CE Some Principles of Geography. Retrieved from tandfonline.com
4. Pacione, Michael. Applied Geography: Principles and praxis. Recovered from hrcak.srce.hr/file/106388
5. Viswaraj Br. What are the fundamental principles of Economic Geography ?. Retrieved from quora.com