DEFINIÇÃO E OBJETIVO DA GEOGRAFIA

Abstract

SeveraI traditional and spatial analysis proposals about the characterization of the Geograpj-, are analysed. The proposal about spatial organization as object of the Geography is Consj.
dered as the more valuable. The spatial organization characteristics may be defined with precision and analysed as discrete unity. Under the systemic approach the analysis may be made considering various hierarchical levels in tlie spatial size criteria. But in each leveI the spatial organization analysed is always a functional unity. For each spatial organization the analysis may focuse: a) in the first leveI, the caracterists of the totality as an unity; b) at the subsystems leveI it is possible to distinguish the geosystem (the spatial organization of the physical elements) and the socio-economic system (the spatial organization of the elements concerned with the human activities); c) At the third leveI the geographic analysis will may be directed to each physical elements (topography, soils, vegetation, water, etc) and human activity elements (urban, rural, industrial and others systems). In this approach the geographer has opportunity of to made the analysis of the morphology (structure of the system and spatial distribution of the phenomena), processes and relations among the elements. And to analyse ali the spatial implications origined by inputs from innovations, political decisions, economic trends, socio and cultural capabilities and so many others factors. Considerirs the spatial organization as object and the focal point of the Geography, the geographir analysis do not may restricted only to description, analysis and explanation; it needs to do the evaluation also and, if necessary, to propose changes and modifications. The geographic task phases run since the analysis untill the planning.