The Fieldwork Report
Urban Environment Enquiry Data Presentation
- Data presentation can take many forms
Primary Data
- Much of the primary data collected in an urban environment enquiry will be presented in the form of graphs:
- Each type of graph is suitable for particular data sets
- The graphs may have strengths and limitations
- Suitable graphs include:
- Bar graphs to compare the environmental quality scores at different sample sites
- Compound or divided bar graphs to show traffic counts
- Scattergraphs to show the relationship between factors such as proximity to land use change and the environmental quality of a site
- Rose diagrams to show noise levels
- Data presentation may also include maps:
- Sample site location
- Proportional circle maps to show traffic counts at different sample sites
Worked example
Study Figure 1a, which shows the results of an environmental quality survey around a new industrial development in an urban area
Complete Figure 1b for sites 4 and 5 (2)
| Site | Environmental Quality Survey Score |
| 1 | 23 |
| 2 | 31 |
| 3 | 12 |
| 4 | 30 |
| 5 | 32 |
Figure 1a Environmental Quality Survey Score Data
- Answer:
- The first bar needs to be just above the 30 line and the second line needs to be on the 35 line. The bars do not need to be shaded but should be the same width as the other bars (2)
Identify the site which has the highest environmental quality score (1)
- Answer:
- Site 5 with a score of 32 has the highest environmental quality score (1)
Exam Tip
In the exam, you will not be asked to draw an entire graph. However, it is common to be asked to complete an unfinished graph using the data provided. You may be asked to identify the highest or lowest score or an anomalous result. When completing a graph:
- Take your time to ensure that you have marked the data on to the graph accurately
- Use the same style as the data which has already been put on the graph:
- Bars on the graph should be the same width
- If the dots on the graph are connected by a line then you should do the same
Secondary Data
- Any fieldwork should include secondary data as well as primary data
- In an urban environment enquiry, suitable data may include:
- Historical traffic counts
- Maps of the area where land use has changed
- Newspaper articles/websites about land use change
- Aerial photographs
Worked example
You have studied the use of central/inner urban environments as part of your own geographical enquiry.
(a) (i) State one type of secondary data you used in your geographical enquiry (1)
- Answer: Award 1 mark for any of the following:
- Newspapers (1)
- GIS map/paper map (1)
- Book/magazine (1)
- Government report/policy document (1)
- Blog/forum/social media (1)
- Accept any other appropriate response
(ii) Explain one way this secondary data helped you when investigating the use of central/inner urban environments (2)
- Answer: Award 1 mark for a reason further mark for extension through explanation, up to a maximum of 2 marks:
- It allowed find out about the spatial variation in the area of study (1) so that we knew that we would get good spatial coverage to minimise bias (1)
- We used census data about the town's population (1) so we could design a fair sampling frame for the questionnaire about the energy that we were using (1)
- The urban area has lots of people/activity (1) so that makes it idea/title measurable and achievable (1)
- Accept any other reasonable idea
- Note: no credit for just restating the secondary data type
