Answer to Question #193288 in Physical geography for Julius Goku

Question

Using relevant examples, discuss the central questions, subject matter and major themes of spatial organization that form part of the geographer’s view of the world

Answer 1

Consider an interesting historical account. We know that Eratosthenes measured the circumference of the Earth. 17 centuries after Eratosthenes, Christopher Columbus or Paolo Toscanelli studied the results of the Eratosthenes's calculations before going to India. However, he rejected the calculations of Eratosthenes, considering the actual circumference of the Earth to be one third less. If Columbus had accepted the calculations of Eratosthenes, then there would not have been enough funds for this planned journey.

As we see from this story, to acquire the geographer’s view of the world, one needs to understand how (and why) places are located where they are located, which countries have specific goods or resources and why, and so on. Geography is "the study of places and the relationships between people and their environments," so, it requires much effort to understand.

Reference:

https://www.nationalgeographic.org/education/what-is-geography/