PASSING GEOGRAPHY WITH A DISTINCTION

Master the following areas in geography in order to get a distinction one.

MAP READING
i. Grid Reference
ii. Area
iii. Distance
iv. Detour index
v. Trend
vi. Bearing and Direction
vii. Vertical interval
viii. Inter-visibility
ix. Direction of flow of river
x. Amplitude
xi. Location and hemisphere
xii. Drawing a sketch map
xiii. Cross section
xiv. Describing relief
xv. Describing drainage
xvi. Drainage patterns/types
xvii. Describing vegetation
xviii. Describing settlement
xix. Describing settlement patterns
xx. Describing Transport and communication
xxi. Describing Relationships between geographical aspects e.g Relief
Drainage, Relief and Transport, Drainage and Settlement e.t.c
xxii. Factors for the presence of geographical aspects
xxiii. Describing economic activities/land use types using map extract
xxiv. Describing problems/challenges faced by people in the areas
xxv. Sample Map Reading questions
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 PHOTOGRAPHIC INTERPRETATION
i. Types of photographs
ii. Drawing a landscape sketch
iii. Economic activities/ land use types
iv. Relationships between geographical aspects in the photograph
v. Formation of various features seen in the photograph
vi. Economic importance of features and land use types
vii. Problems faced by the region seen in the photograph
viii. Effects of the land use type on the environment
ix. Sample photographs and questions

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 FIELD WORK
i. Topic of study
ii. Objectives/Aims/Goals of the study
iii. Pre-field activities(preparation stage)
iv. Data collection (How different method are used)
v. Advantages and disadvantages of using particular methods
vi. Problems faced during data collection
vii. Skills obtained from the field
viii. Sketches
 Sketch map of the area studied/Lay out
 Cross section/relief section/line Transect/Transverse/Catena
 Panoramic view (panorama)
ix. Relationships between geographical aspects
(importance/findings/significances/ Conclusions)
 Physical –physical
 Physical-human
 Human-human
x. Effect of land use on physical environment
xi. Follow-up activities (post field work)
xii. Recommendations

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 GENERAL SUMMARY OF GEOGRAPHY
i. Drawing maps
 East Africa
 Africa
 Rest of Africa
 North American maps
 Rhine lands
 China
ii. Studying maps
 East Africa
 Africa
 Rest of Africa
 North American maps
 Rhine lands
 China
iii. Statistics
How to draw a;
 Bar graph
 Line graph
 Combined Bar and Line Graph
 Pie-chart
iv. Factors favouring……
 Adjective + Factor + Use of the factor + e.g
v. Benefits/importance/contributions/positive effects/values/significances
 Contribution + Resultant effect/impact + e.g
vi. Problems/challenges/bottlenecks faced
 Problem + Resultant effect/impact + e.g
vii. Problems resulting /Negative effects
 Problem + Cause + e.g
viii. Solution to problems faced and resulting
 Mind the language use in the question (Solution + Reason + e.g)

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MAP READING
A map is a representation of physical and human features of a particular area
on a sheet of paper as seen, drawn and printed from above using
conventional symbols.
GRID REFERENCES
These are networks of lines running vertically and horizontally on the map
extract. These are used to locate features on a map extract.
The horizontal lines are known as Northings while vertical lines are known
as Eastings.
While reading grid reference, start with Eastings then Northings as
illustrated below;

10 11 12 13 14 15 16
21 21
20 .X 20
19 .Z 19
18 18
17 Y. 17
16 16
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Northings
Eastings
e.g X 115199 Try this; Y ……………… Z ….....…………

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Sample question to do:
Using the map extract of NABYESO,
What is the grid reference of;
a. Arwotcek road junction
b. Ayabi bore hole
What is the feature at grid reference?
a. 851034
b. 801959
CALCULATING AREA ON MAP EXTRACT
Area is the total distance covered or occupied by a feature.
This has a Formula as Full squares + Half squares
2
Count all the fully covered boxes and then count the boxes that are partially
covered by the feature.
E.g 10 + 189 = 10+9 =19 squares
21
1Square 1km
19 squares X 1km = 19km2

Area = 19km2

MEASURING DISTANCE OF LINEAR OBJECTS ON A MAP

EXTRACT
e.g A road, railway line, river, boundary e.t.c
Identify the feature in the question on the map extract. The start point and
the end point
Using a straight edged piece of paper, measure a short but straight distance
portion of the feature up to the end point.

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Transfer the distance of the feature marked on paper to the linear scale on the
map extract starting from zero rightwards to determine the distance in
kilometers. The remaining distance can be measured in meters using the
same scale but from zero leftwards. E.g 6km +500 meters =6.5km
DETOUR INDEX
This has a formula; Actual distance – straight distance X 100
Actual distance
The Actual distance is the 6.5km as obtained above. The straight distance is
obtained by joining the two points in question along the linear feature like a
road and then using a straight edge of a paper; get the distance of the straight
line e.g 3.5km
6.5 - 3.5 x100
6.5
3.0 x100 = 46.15%
6.5

TREND
This is the degree segments from the point of start to the point of end along a
transport route.
Identify the transport route in question and the two points asked. Draw a line
to join the two points along the transport route. Draw a compass direction in
the middle of the line. Using a protractor, measure from north clockwise up
to when the line is met e.g 0450. Measure again from north clockwise up to
when the line is met the second time. E.g 2250.
It is then recorded as 0450_ 2250
CALCULATING BEARING AND DETERMINING DIRECTION ON
MAP EXTRACT
Bearing of one geographical feature from another is measured using a
protractor starting from north clockwise. The bearing is recorded in degrees
and usually as three digits e. g 0600 NE
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The direction of one geographical feature from another is determined using
the cardinal points of the compass
Identify the two features in question then identify the starting point of
bearing and direction considering the word “from”; join the two points with
a straight line, draw compass directions on both ends. Put the protractor on
the starting point and measure from north clockwise up when then line
joining the two points is met. As illustrated below
From A to B

Bearing = 0610 NE
VERTICAL INTERVAL
This is the gap or range between any two successive contours on the map
extract. It is also indicated at the extreme south East of the map extract.
It is calculated by getting the difference between two contours following
each other e.g 35ooft - 3450ft= 50ft
AMPLITUDE
This is literally known as range; it is calculated by subtracting the lowest
contour from the highest contour on the map extract
e.g 4550ft–3450ft = 1100ft
DIRECTION OF FLOW OF RIVERS
A river flows from a high gradient/altitude to a low gradient/altitude. The
contours on the map extract guide one to determine the direction of the flow

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of a river. Identify the river in question and then by use of contours
determine the direction of flow showing fro and to; e.g from east to west
because the east is at high altitude than west.
INTER-VISIBILITY
This is the ability of two features or people to see/connect with each other at
distance with ease. We say two points on a map extract are inter-visible
when there is no physical feature in between them. The two features are said
not to be inter-visible when there is a physical obstacle (hill) in between
them.
N.B: Forests, water bodies, swamps are not obstacles
LOCATION AND HEMISPHERE
Location is the global position of a place/area in terms of latitudes and
longitudes while hemisphere of an area is the position of the place in relation
to the equator.
On the extreme east and west of the map extract are degrees that may be
increasing either northwards or southwards. When degrees increase
northwards, it is an indication that the area is in the northern hemisphere and
vice versa. You may also consider the abbreviations like 10 5’N; which mean
northern Hemisphere.
DRAWING A SKETCH MAP
While drawing a sketch map of an area shown on the map extract, the
following procedures should be followed;

 Identify the area on the map extract to be drawn (area in question)

either part or the whole map extract.
 On a fresh sheet of paper, write the title in full with the place names
and features asked.
 Draw a frame covering at least three quarters of a page (Draw the
same shape as the original shape of the map extract)

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  Enclose the sketch outline with a frame/boundary; include the compass
on the left top side and the key below the frame to explain the features.
 With the help of main (thick) grid lines, mark and name the features in
question.
IDENTIFYING AND DESCRIBING ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES
ON A MAP EXTRACT

The economic activities/land use types/ human activities are identified

according to the existing features that act as evidence on a map extract.
Must Show WHAT EVIDENCE and WHERE
e.g There is mining due to presence of mineral deposit north of
kalugutu

The table below shows the economic activities and their evidences:
No Economic activity/land use types Indicator /evidence
1 Crop growing/farming/plantation/irrigation Crop farm/ estate/plantation/crop store/crop
market/crop factory like ginnery for cotton, hullery for
coffee, jaggery for sugar cane /agricultural department
2 Animal rearing/livestock farming Animal farm/Ranch/agricultural department/ animal
market/abattoir/Bore holes/ water holes/water
tanks/water reservoirs/valley dams, cattle
dips/veterinary offices/kraal e.t.c
3 Mining /quarrying Mineral pit/mineral quarry (workings)/ mineral factory
mineral deposit e.t.c
4 Industrialization Industry/factory e.g ginnery, Hullery, jaggery
(manufacturing/processing industries)
5 Forestry (economic activity and land use) Forest reserve/forest department/forest
plantation/forest guard posts/ tree stations e.t.c
6 Lumbering Saw mill/timber factory/carpentry workshop/transport
route ending in forest or at forest, lumbering pit e.t.c
N.B: Forest alone does not symbolize Lumbering
7 Wild life conservation Gazatted area/forest reserve/game
reserve/nationalparks/zoos/sanctuary/conservation
areas
8 Fishing Fish pond/fish farm/fish landing site/fish port/fish
market/fish factory/fish village, transport route ending
at a lake shore or river banks, fish trap, settlements
along a lake e.t.c
9 Recreation Recreational centres and posts
10 Transportation and communication Transport routes/ports/landing sites/transport stations
or terminals/air fields and fields and stripes/telephone
line/communication masts e.t.c

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11 Tourism Gazetted area/tourist attractions/rest
houses/lodges/hotels/motels/inns/guesthouses/camping
sites/game department/antiquity, Ranger post e.t.c
12 Trading/trade and commerce Market/trading centre/transport junction/transport
station towns/linear settlement along transport route
e.t.c
13 Power generation/production Power station/power dam/power transmission line e.t.c
14 Hand craft/brickmaking/pottery Hand craft yard/brick yard/pot yard e.t.c
15 Hunting Hunting area/hunting tools/hunting posts, Ranger post
e.t.c
16 Settlement (land use) Built up areas/villages/huts/rest houses/hotels/lodges
e.t.c
17 Urbanization Towns/cities/ports e.t.c

N.B: please endeavor to show; WHAT (Economic activity),

EVIDENCE (Indicator) and WHERE (location) on the map extract
using direction grid box or local place name

IDENTIFICATION AND DESCRIBING PROBLEMS IN THE AREA

ON A MAP EXTRACT
The problems faced by areas/people living in the area shown on the map
extract can be physical or human as seen in the table below.
Must WHAT (problem) INDICATOR (feature) + WHERE (location)
E.g using a map extract of Nabyeso. There is flooding due to presence of a
seasonal swamp at Kadomato in the south

Indicator /feature Problem/challenge

Steep slopes/ hilly Severe soil erosion/ limited mechanized
areas/mountainous areas agriculture/limited
highland areas settlement/remoteness/poor transport
facilities/inaccessibility
Broad and narrow valleys Poor transport facilities/frequent or seasonal
(Rivers) flooding/seasonal silting / inaccessibility/
remoteness
Seasonal and permanent frequent or seasonal flooding/dangerous
swamps (swamps) wild animals/harmful pests and diseases/
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 seasonal silting / inaccessibility/ remoteness
Forests/permanent swamps dangerous wild animals/harmful pests and
diseases/
remoteness/inaccessibility/insecurity/limited
transport facilities

Transport Frequent air, noise, water or dust pollution

routes/industries/towns/trading accordingly, accidents
centres
Sparse settlement Limited social services/remoteness
Dense population Easy spread of diseases /congestion
/frequent environmental pollution/shortage
of land /land fragmentation/high crime rate
e.t.c
Bore holes/valley dams/water Drought/ shortage of water/famine.
tanks/seasonal swamps/water
reservoirs/wells

IDENTIFYING AND DESCRIBING RELIEF ON MAP EXTRACT

Relief on a map extract is identified or described using the contours (brown
like lines on the map extract)

 The highest point (contour value) of the area is ______ at _____(location)

 The lowest point (contour value) of the area is _______ at _____(location)
 The amplitude of the area is __________ (highest – lowest contours)
 The average point of the area is ______ highest + lowest point divide by two
Describe Relief features like;
Hilly area (when contours area compacted)
Conical hill
Ridge (elongated hill)
Saddle and col (gap between hills)
Flat topped hill (table like hill)
Broad (basin) and narrow valley
Gentle slopes

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Steep slopes/escarpment
Low land e.t.c
Show WHAT (feature) + LOCAL PLACE NAME + WHERE

IDENTIFYING AND DESCRIBING DRAINAGE FEATURES

Drainage is the water surface coverage of a given area
Drainage features on a map my include; rivers, swamps, lakes e.t.c
Show WHAT (drainage feature) + LOCAL NAME + WHERE
IDENTIFYING AND DESCRIBING DRAINAGE PATTERNS
There different drainage patterns e.g
 Dendritic pattern (tree like river with its branches)
 Trellis/rectangular pattern (main river and tributaries flow along
faulted areas
 Parallel pattern (rivers flow opposite in each other for a long distance)
 Radial pattern (cycle wheel like rivers from a dome to different
directions)
 Centripetal pattern (rivers pouring in to one basin)
 Pinnate pattern (feather like river as tributaries flow from one direction
to the main river)
N.B: Show WHAT (drainage pattern) + LOCAL RIVER NAME +
WHERE
As illustrated below;

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IDENTIFICATION AND DESCRIPTION OF VEGETATION
Vegetation is the plant cover on the earth’s surface. These can be;

 Forest
 Thicket
 Bamboo
 Wood land
 Scrub
 Scattered trees
 Palms
 Mangrove swamps
 Tree swamps
 Papyrus/marsh/bog swamps
N.B: Show WHAT (vegetation type) + LOCAL NAME + WHERE
(location)
IDENTIFICATION AND DESCRIBING OF SETTLEMENT
Settlement is the way how people live in a particular area
It can be described as;
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  Dense
 Moderate
 Sparse
 Limited
N.B: Show WHAT (settlement) + WHERE (location)
IDENTIFICATION AND DESCRIBING OF SETTLEMENT
PATTERNS/TYPES
There are different settlement patterns like;
 Linear
 Nucleated
 Planned
 Scattered

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 Linear settlement pattern

N.B: Show WHAT (settlement pattern) + WHERE (location)

e.g There is Linear settlement pattern along the dry weather road from
Arwoteck road junction to Aputi road junction in the south east

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IDENTIFYING AND DESCRIBING TRANSPORT AND
COMMUNICATION ON A MAP EXTRACT
This is the mode/way through which goods and passengers area moved from
one place to another by land, air or water. These include;
 Roads
 Railways
 Airfields
 Water Routes
Check on the key of the map extracts for the symbols of these routes.
N.B: Show WHAT (transport route) + EVIDENCE (local name) WHERE
(location)
IDENTIFICATION AND DESCRIPTION OF RELATIONSHIPS
BETWEEN FEATURES ON THE MAP EXTRACT
This is the way how two features connect to each other
This is a quite interesting and simple part of map reading by using
connecting words like;

 Favour
 Encourage
 Occupy
 Attract
 Cover
 Occupy
 Ease
 Discourage
 Limited
 E.t.c
Relief and Drainage
Relief and Transport
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Relief and communication
Vegetation and settlement
Communication and settlement
Drainage and Settlement e.t.c
Relief Settlement
Hilly areas of…………… Are sparsely populated due to steep slopes
Gently sloping areas of… Are densely populated due to ease of construction
Flat areas of ………….. Are densely populated due to ease of construction
The low land areas of ……. Are sparsely populated due to poor drainage

N.B: Fill the dashes with the local place names from the map extract
Relief Drainage
Hilly areas of…………… Rivers like ……flow from the hill top down slope
Gently sloping areas of… Have river meanders as seen on river …….
The low land/basin areas of Occupied by a lake e.g ….
……. Covered by permanent/seasonal swamp

N.B: Fill the dashes with the local place names from the map extract
Relief Transport
Hilly area of………. Discourage construction of transport routes due to
rugged terrain as seen in ……
Gently sloping/flat areas of Have encouraged construction of transport routes
…… as seen in ………
Lowland areas of……….. Contain a lake used for water transport.
Discourage construction of transport route.

N.B: Fill the dashes with the local place names from the map extract

Guiding question:
Use the knowledge obtained above, and describe the relationships
between other geographical aspect using the provided map extract

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 DRAWING A CROSS SECTION/SKETCH
SECTION/TRANSECT/TRANSVERSE/LINE TRASECT
This is a line of drawing from one point to another, showing physical
and human features along it.
It is drawn under the guidance of contours with their figures.
Steps/procedures to be followed while drawing a cross section
 Identify the starting point and ending point as asked in the question.
 Join the two points using a ruler and study all the contours crossed
by the line as well as features.
 Use the bottom part of a graph paper; demarcate the contours and
features crossed by line. Write the figures on the contours
demarcated on the graph.
 Fold the graph paper and draw the outline (Horizontal distance) as
demarcated.
 Using a scale of equivalent to the Vertical interval draw the section
by use of the figures on the bottom of graph paper.
 Using a free hand join the dots and shade the bottom part.
 Use pointed arrows touching the ground to represent the features
crossed by the line.
 Endeavor to write the title with the starting and ending point and
features asked as well as the scale
As illustrated below;

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PHOTOGRAPHIC INTERPRETATION
i. Types of photographs
There two types of photographs; i.e
a. Ground photographs
b. Aerial photographs
Ground photographs
These are photographs taken when the camera man is standing on land
(ground). These have the following characteristics

 The skyline (horizon) is seen especially in the back ground

 The objects seem to be close to the camera
 The objects are clear (clearly seen)
 There is a small coverage
 Two dimensions (sides) of the objects are seen
Ground photographs are sub divided into ground horizontal and ground
oblique;
Ground horizontal photographs are those taken when the camera man is at
the same level (elevation) as the objects being photographed.
Whereas
Ground oblique photographs are those taken when the camera man in on
land (ground) with the camera tilted at a certain angle like 450
Aerial Photographs
These are photographs that are taken when the camera man is in space e.g
hero copter with the camera facing down (objects). These have the following
characteristics

 The skyline (horizon is not seen)

 Objects seem to be far away from the camera
 Only tops of objects are seen (one dimension is captured)
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  The objects are not clear (not clearly seen)
 There is big coverage seen
Aerial photographs are sub divided in to vertical aerial and aerial oblique
Vertical aerial photograph is that taken when the camera man is in an air
craft with the camera facing the images (ground) directly
Whereas
Aerial oblique is that from the aircraft with the camera at a tilted angle.
Drawing a landscape sketch
While drawing a landscape sketch different grounds of ground photograph
must be considered as shown below;

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 A landscape sketch of the photograph should be having;
 A complete title showing what is asked in the question
 A frame/boundary that must be of the same shape as that of the
photograph given.
 Sub divide the drawn frame and draw the features asked in the
relative positions as they appear on the photograph. For purposes
of accuracy
ii. Economic activities/ land use types
iii. Relationships between geographical aspects in the photograph
iv. Formation of various features seen in the photograph
v. Economic importance of features and land use types
vi. Problems faced by the region seen in the photograph
vii. Effects of the land use type on the environment
viii. Sample photographs and questions

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 FIELDWORK ON NYANAMA TRADING CENTRE

For any one fieldwork study you have conducted on a

Trading Centre
1.State the topic of study.
The Growth and Development of Nyanama Trading Centre in
makindye Divison Wakiso District.

2. Outline the objectives of study.

 To find out the location of Nyanama Trading Centre.
 To find out the historical background of Nyanama Trading
Centre
 To find out the factors for the location and growth of
Nyanama Trading Centre
 To find out the physical features around Nyanama Trading
Centre
 The find out the landuse activities around Nyanama Trading
Centre
 To find out the influence of Nyanama Trading Centre on the
surrounding areas
 To find out the commodities sold in Nyanama Trading
Centre
 To find out the problems facing Nyanama Trading Centre
 To find out the solutions to the problems facing Nyanama
Trading Centre
 To find out the future prospects of Nyanama Trading Centre.
3. Methods of data collection
 Observation
 Interview
 Recording

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  Sketching
 Literature review
 Map orientation
 Measurement
 Pacing
 Questionnaire

4.Tools needed
 Hoe
 Meter ruler
 Pens
 Pencils
 Voice recorder
 Video recorder
 Camera etc

5. Explain the preparations you made before going for

fieldwork
OR, explain the steps you took before going for fieldwork
OR, explain the pre-field activities carried out before
going for fieldwork.
OR, describe the activities you carried out before going
for fieldwork.
OR, describe how you organized your fieldwork study.
 Our teacher identified the area of study and went for a pilot
study at Nyanama Trading Centre to find out whether it
would be possible to carry out fieldwork and get permission
from the management of Nyanama Trading Centre.
 We chose the topic of study and it was ‘The Growth and
Development of Nyanama Trading Centre in Makindye
Divison Wakiso District’.

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 We formulated the objectives of study and they included; To
find out the location of Nyanama Trading Centre, To find out
the historical background of Nyanama Trading Centre.
 We selected the methods to be used during fieldwork and
these included observation, interviewing and measurement.
 We selected the tools to be used during fieldwork and these
included pens, pencils, books, measuring tape and base
map.
 We sought permission from the school administration to
allow us carry out fieldwork.
 Our teacher organized us in groups of five students to
ensure group study.
5.Draw a transect/transverse/relief section/cross-section
of the area studied and on it mark and name physical
features and land use activities.

A TRANSECT ACROSS NYANAMA TRADING CENTRE FROM

MUTUNDWE HILL TOP TO NAMASUBA HILL TOP SHOWING
PHYSICAL FEATURES AND LANDUSE ACTIVITIES

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4. Draw a sketch map of the area studied and on it mark
and name physical features and land use activities.

A SKETCHMAP OF NYANAMA TRADING CENTRE AND THE

SURROUNDING AREAS SHOWING PHYSICAL FEATURES AND
LANDUSE ACTVITIES.

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5. Draw a panoramic view of the area studied and on it
mark and name physical features and land use activities.
A PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE AREA AROUND NYANAMA
TRADING CENTRE DRAWN FROM NYANAMA VALLEY
SHOWING PHYSICAL FEATURES AND LANDUSE ACTIVITIES

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6. Describe the steps you took to collect information from
the field
Or, describe the activities you carried out during
fieldwork
Or, explain the techniques you used during fieldwork
Or, describe the methods you used to collect the
information in the field.

 I used observation method. This involved using eyes with the

help of other senses to see geographical phenomena in the
field and sort out information about them. Using eyes, I saw
physical features like Mutundwe hill in the north of
Nyanama Trading Centre.

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 I used interviewing method. It involves a face-face
interaction between the researchers and respondents in the
field whereby the researcher asked oral questions and the
respondents gave oral answers. Using the interview guide, I
asked Mr. kamunye simon the fieldwork guide the problems
facing Nyanama Trading Centre and he told me that there
was a problem of stiff competition for the customers since
the traders are many.
 We used Questionnaire method. This involved use of
predetermined questions to collect information about
geographical phenomena where the researcher sends written
questions for a respondent to give written answers. I wrote
and sent the following questions to Mr. kamunye simon the
fieldwork manager and he gave us answers in written form.
Where is Nyanama Trading Centre located? It is located in
southeast of Kitebi trading centre. It is in Makindye division,
Wakiso district.

 I used measurement/measuring. This involved the use of

calibrated and non-calibrated instruments to
establish/investigate size, weight, area etc. of geographical
features in the field. I stretched a tape measure and found
the distance from Nyanama market to Mutundwe church
which was 100 metres.
 I used Pacing. This involved the use of strides to estimate
distance of the geographical features. Using strides, I
estimated the distance from Nyanama market to Mutundwe
church, which was 120 strides.
 I used sampling. This involved taking part of the whole
population to represent the whole/rest. Using a hoe and
spade, I picked part of the soil from Nyanama valley and
found out that it was sandy soil.
 I used recording. This involved writing/jotting/noting down
of information got in the field. Using a pen and paper, I
wrote down the problems facing traders at Nyanama Trading
Centre which included dangerous aquatic animals, shortage
of accommodation and food.
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 We used field sketching. This is the technique of obtaining
information from the field by drawing sketchmaps, transects
and panoramas. I used a pencil and book and drew the
sketchmap of the area around Nyanama Trading Centre
showing physical features and landuse activities as seen
below (draw and show some few features like the one above).
 We used map orientation. This involved
alignment/rotating/turning the survey map/base map so
that the features on the base map tally/match with features
on the ground. We turned the base map of Entebbe while
standing at Mutundwe Hill until Nyanama Trading centre on
the base map was matching with that on the ground and
found out that Nyanama is in south of Mutundwe Hill.
 We used analysis of existing information/library
research/documentary review/literature
review/documentation. This is a method of data collection
whereby the researcher gets information from existing
records/secondary sources and compares it with what is in
the field at the time of study. We read about historical
background of Nyanama Trading Centre in the research
report by Matovu Francis and found out that the name
Nyanama was a result of the chair personof the area in 1920
who was called Nyanama
7. Explain the merits of using the above methods
NB. Use past tense, tie the merit to a method and add some
explanation.
 Using observation method, I got firsthand information since
geographical features were seen directly
 Observation was time saving since a large field was covered
in a short time.
 Observation was cheap because it did not involve
expenditure.
 Interviewing enabled me getting the required data on the
spot.
 Interviewing enabled me to obtain invisible information like
historical background.

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 Interviewing was very flexible because questions were
modified during the interview.
 Questionnaire method was time saving as many
respondents were reached in a short time.
 Reliable data was got while using questionnaire method
since respondents answered independently.
 Questionnaire method was easy to administer since it
reached respondents in different ways.
 Measurement was flexible since different tools and
techniques were used.
 Measurement enabled making predictions about the
phenomena investigated.
 Firsthand information was obtained using measurement
since tools were used.
 Sampling was time saving since few entities/items were
chosen to represent the rest.
 Unbiased data was got using sampling because I came into
contact with the phenomena.
 Sampling allowed generalization to be made about other
similar phenomena.
 Using documentary review, information was provided in a
short period of time.
 Accurate information based on research was obtained using
documentary review/documentation
 Documentary review helped in getting the background
information about the topic of study

8. Explain the demerits of using the above methods.

OR, explain the problems/challenges you encountered
while using the above methods during fieldwork
OR, explain the limitations of using the above methods
during fieldwork study.
OR

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 Explain the problems/challenges you encountered
during fieldwork
OR, explain the limitations of your fieldwork study.

 I faced the problems of language barrier while using

interviewing since my respondents; the traders only knew
Luganda and therefore I failed to get the problems facing
traders in Nyanama Trading Centre.
 We faced the problem of uncooperative respondents while
using interviewing at Nyanama market and therefore, we
failed to get the historical background of Nyanama market.
 We faced a problem of loss of questionnaires while using
questionnaire method due to disappearance of respondents
and therefore we failed to get information on the historical
background of Nyanama Trading Centre.
 We faced the problem of physical obstruction by Mutundwe
forest while using observation method and therefore we
failed to identify the landuse types in Mutundwe village.
 We faced the problem of inaccessibility due to the presence
of Nyanama forest while using observation method due to
the presence of Mutundwe forest and therefore we failed to
see the landuse activities in Mutundwe village
 We faced the problem of noise pollution by Nyanama boat
factory while using interviewing/recording and therefore, we
failed to hear/note down the problems facing Nyanama boat
factory.
 We faced the problem of sudden weather changes due to
heavy downpour while using recording, which destroyed our
writing materials and therefore we failed to write down the
future prospects of Nyanama Trading Centre

9. Explain the skills you obtained from your fieldwork

study.
NB. Skills are obtained from the methods used.

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 I gained the skill of observation by using my eyes to see
physical features for example Mutundwe hill north east of
Nyanama Trading centre Trading Centre .
 We gained the skill of interviewing by asking respondents
oral questions and they gave us oral answers for example we
asked Mr. Mubiru the location of Mutundwe hill and he told
me that it was found in Nkunba Parish, Wakiso District.
 We gained the skill of measuring by stretching the tape
measure to find the distance from Nyanama market to the
pier which was 50 metres.
 We gained the skill of sampling by using a hoe to pick part
of the soil from Nyanama valley which we found out that it
was mainly sandy soil.
 I gained the skill of recording by using a pen and paper to
write down information in the field for example I wrote down
physical features around Nyanama Trading Centre like
Mutundwe hill north east of Bumamwaya Trading Centre
 I gained the skill of field sketching by drawing the sketch
map of the area around Nyanama Trading Centre showing
physical features and landuse activities as seen below (draw
it and show some features).

10. Describethe follow up activities carried out after

fieldwork
Or, what were the post-field activities carried out during
the study
Or, explain how you processed data during the study.

 We presented our data collected by the different groups for

example group 1 presented the location of Nyanama Trading
Centre i.e. Katabi Sub-county, Wakiso District.
 We compared data collected by the various groups for
example concerning the distance from Nyanama market to
Nyanama pier and we finally concluded that it was
100metres.

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 We reorganized data collected only included the required
information to be compiled following our topic and objectives
of study.
 We polished our field sketches by redrawing the sketch map
around Nyanama Trading Centre and included Nakasunda
headland which was missing.
 We wrote a fieldwork report concerning what we studied at
Nyanama Trading Centre, how we studied it and the results
obtained from the study.
 We drew conclusions from the field by giving geographical
relationships. For example we concluded that the presence
of Mutundwe hilltop has encouraged the establishment of
MTN telecommunication masts due to high altitude which
ensures easy transmission of signals.
 We made recommendations to the people of Nyanama
Trading Centres for example we advised farmers on
Mutundwe hill to carry out terracing so as to control soil
erosion.
 We disseminated the findings of the study to the relevant
authorities for example one of our fieldwork report was
handed over to the manager of Nyanama Trading centre

11. Explainthe conclusions you made after fieldwork study

OR, explain the significance of the fieldwork study
OR, to what extent was the fieldwork study geographical
OR, what was the geographical significance of the
fieldwork study?
OR, what were the outcomes/results of the fieldwork
study?
OR, how did the fieldwork study help you to understand
the geography of the area?
OR, how was the fieldwork study a sample of the
environment?
Physical- physical relationships
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 The presence Mutundwe hill in the north of Nyanama
Trading centre has encouraged the growth of Mutundwe
natural forest because of the presence of deep fertile soils.
 The presence of Nyanama River in the south of Nyanama
Trading Centre has favoured the growth of Nyanama
papyrus vegetation due to water logging conditions.

Physical-human relationships

 The presence of gentle slopes of Mutundwe in the north of

Nyanama swamp has encouraged settlement at Mutundwe
village due to easy construction of houses
 The presence of Nyanama swampin the South of Nyanama
Trading Centre has encouraged water transport due to the
presence of water.
 The presence of Mutundwe forest in the north of Nyanama
Trading Centre has encouraged the growth of Nyanama boat
making factory due to the presence of commercial tree
species like Mvule.

Human-human relationships

 The presence of Zana-Nyanama road in the north of

Nyanama Trading Centre has encouraged settlement at
Nyanama due to easy accessibility.
 The presence of Nyanama Movit industries in the north of
Nyanama Trading Centre has attracted dense settlement at
Nyanama due to provision of employment opportunities.
 The presence of dense settlement at Nyanama has
encouraged the growth of Nyanama market because of
provision of ready market for goods
12. Explain the relationship between the physical
environment and landuse activities in the area studied
 The presence of gentle slopes of Mutundwe hill in the north
of Nyanama Trading Centre has encouraged settlement at
Mutundwe due to easy construction of houses
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 The presence of Nyanama swampin the south of Nyanama
Trading Centre has encouraged water transport due to the
presence of water.
 The presence of fertile soils of Mutundwe hill in the north of
Nyanama Trading Centre has encouraged the growth of
coffee and bananas in Mutundwe village since these crops
require deep fertile soils to grow well.
 The presence of Mutundwe forest in the north of Nyanama
Trading Centre has encouraged lumbering due to the
presence of valuable tree species like Mahogany.

13. Explain
the relationship between physical features and
landuse activities in the area studied.
 The presence of gentle slopes of Mutundwe hill in the east of
Nyanama Trading Centre has encouraged settlement at
Mutundwe village due to easy construction of houses.
 The presence of Nyanama River in the South of Nyanama
Trading Centre has encouraged water transport due to the
presence of water.
 The presence of Mutundwe forest in the north of Nyanama
Trading Centre has encouraged lumbering due to the
presence of valuable tree species like Mahogany.

14. Explain the relationship between relief and land use

activities in the area studied.
 The presence of gentle slopes of Mutundwe in the north of
Nyanama Trading Centre has encouraged settlement at
Mutundwe due to easy construction of houses
 The presence of Mutundwe hilltop has encouraged the
establishment of MTN telecommunication masts due to high
altitude which ensures easy transmission of signals.
 The presence of Nyanama basin has encouraged water
transport due to the presence of water.
 The presence of steep slopes of Mutundwe hill in the north
of Nyanama Trading Centre has encouraged stone quarrying
due to the presence of outcrop rocks
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 The presence of flat lands of Nyanama in the north of
Nyanama Trading Centre has encouraged the construction
of Nyanama- Kitebi road due to low cost of construction.

15. Assessthe impact of the Trading Centre on the

environment
OR, Assess the impact of the Trading Centre on the
development of the surrounding areas.
NB. Give both positive and negative effects giving an
example in terms of place name/direction.
Positive impacts include;
 It has encouraged growth and development of Nyanama
trading centre in the north of Nyanama Trading Centre
because of increased population.
 It has facilitated the development of infrastructure like
Nyanama-Kitebi road in the north of Nyanama Trading
Centre.
 It has provided employment opportunities to the people for
example traders in Nyanama trading centre for example
shop attendants.
 It has encouraged the development of industries for example
Nyanama boat making factory in the north of Nyanama
Trading Centre.
 It is a source of government revenue through taxing people
employed for example as traders and business men in
Nyanama market in the North of Nyanama Trading Centre.

Negative effects include;

 It has led to pollution of water, land and air from industries

for example Nyanama Movit industries in the north of
Nyanama Trading Centre.

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 It has led to urban related problems like prostitution and
robbery in Nyanama trading centre due to increased
population
 It has led to deforestation due to infrastructural
development for example mutundwe forests were destroyed
to establish Nyanama market.
 It has led to competition for labour with other sectors like
agriculture in Zana and Mutundwe villages living these
sectors underdeveloped.
 It has led to increased school drop out to join trading
activities for example from Mutundwe and Zana villages.
 It has led to rural-urban migration with its negative effects
for example from Zana Village to Nyanama Trading Centre

16. Explain the impacts of the growth of the Trading centre

on the physical environment.
NB. Give both positive and negative effects giving an example
in terms of place name/direction on every point

Positive effects include;

 Afforestation on Mutundwe hill north of Nyanama Trading

Centre has promoted the modification of the local
temperatures through releasing moisture to the atmosphere.
 Application of manure in Mutundwe village north of
Nyanama Trading Centre has helped to improve soil fertility.
 Contour ploughing on Mutundwe hill has helped in
controlling soil erosion.
 Afforestation in Mutundwe hill has helped in increasing the
green vegetation cover.

Negative effects include

 Lumbering in Mutundwe forest north of Nyanama Trading

Centre has led to destruction of vegetation cover
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 Industrialization at Nyanama boat factory north of Nyanama
Trading Centre has led to environmental pollution from the
wood dust which has affected human health.
 Settlement on Mutundwe hill north of Nyanama Trading
Centre has led to destruction of Mutundwe forest leading to
loss of vegetation cover
 The construction of Nyanama -Mutundwe road in the north
of Nyanama Trading Centre has led to destruction of
Nyanama forest leading to destruction of vegetation cover.
 Stone quarrying on Mutundwe hill north of Nyanama
Trading Centre has led to destruction of landscape by
creating depressions.

17. Explainthe problems faced by the people using the

Trading Centre.
NB. Explain how a problem leads to a problem.
 Poor sanitation leading to diseases like cholera and
dysentery which have affected human life.
 Remoteness of the area of Nyanama Trading centre with
poorly developed roads has discouraged movement of goods
by Nyanama traders to the Trading centre.
 Perishability of the goods which lead to losses.
 Price fluctuation due to over production has discouraged
traders in Nyanama trading centre to produce more goods.
 Rugged terrain for example due to Mutundwe hill has
discouraged the construction of roads to deliver goods to the
market centres.
 Siltation of Nyanama River has led to reduction in breeding
grounds for fish leading to low fish catch.
 Insecurity due to pirates in Nyanama swamp and robbers in
Nyanama Trading centre who destabilize peace.

18. Describethe recommendations you made to the people

using the Trading Centre.
NB. Give solutions to showing problem and solution
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 We advised the traders at Nyanama Trading Centre to carry
out market research to expand the market for goods.
 We advised the police force at Nyanama police station to
carry out more operations to promote security in Nyanama
trading centre.
 We advised traders at Nyanama Trading Centre to improve
on goods preservation methods to reduce losses.
 We advised traders at Nyanama market to ensure proper
disposal of garbage to solve the problems resulting from
poor sanitation.
 We advised the residents of Nyanama village to boil water for
drinking to present water borne diseases like Cholera.

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