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Counting on geographers

As UK citizens get ready to complete their census returns next month, it will be geographers such as Professor David Martin from the University of Southampton who help the government, businesses and communities make the most of the rich data that the ten-yearly survey produces.

For more than 200 years, the census has charted the changing nature of UK society, as the population grew from 10.5 million in 1801 to 58.7 million in 2001. Statistics on migration, employment and changing lifestyles have helped policymakers to plan for the needs of society. Although the same questions are generally asked across the whole country, the potential for comparing the results from different areas hasn’t been fully exploited in the past. But now, geographers are stepping in to provide solutions.

areas hasn’t been fully exploited

Professor Martin has developed a new technique that enables local areas to be compared on a like-for-like basis using geographic information systems. The automated system allows 200,000 geographically defined ‘output areas’ to be compared spatially and over time. Because the areas have a consistent population size, it’s possible to track patterns in inequality, ethnicity and housing trends more consistently. The distribution of government funding based on census data organised in this way will ensure that services are more likely to reach those most in need.

that enables local areas to be compared on a like-for-like basis using geographic information systems. The automated system allows 200,000 geographically defined ‘output areas’ to be compared spatially and over time. Because the areas have a consistent population size, it’s possible to track patterns in inequality, ethnicity

The data have also been incorporated into the Office of National Statistics’ Neighbourhood Statistics Service – a website via which communities can find information about their local area at no cost that receives two million page views a month.

‘The 2011 census will provide one of the richest data sources from which to investigate the major issues facing our society today, such as patterns of ageing, migration, ethnicity and families,’ said Professor Martin.

society today, such as patterns of ageing, migration, ethnicity and families,’ said Professor Martin.

‘For many purposes, small areas are the most use-

‘For many purposes, small areas are the most useful lens through which to explore these themes,

revealing the unique character revealing the unique character and needs of local communities.

‘The advent of web tools such as Google Earth and mobile phone mapping apps have greatly increased awareness of geography, and we can look forward to some brilliant new mapping tools following the census,’ he continued. ‘This year will also see the start of a wide-ranging debate about the need for future censuses compared to how much could be derived from other geographically referenced databases.’ Work such as Professor Martin’s has been included in a series of case studies that the Society has published online (www.rgs.org/makingthecase) to demonstrate how geographers are helping to address some of the key environmental, social and economic challenges facing the UK, while also saving public money, improving quality of life, and shaping government policy. From flood management to urban regeneration, the welfare of children in the asylum process and road safety, geographers are involved across industry and society, and the website is constantly being updated to include more case studies.

Advocacy for geography is an essential part of the Society’s work – in secondary and higher education, fieldwork, and research. Whether advising policymakers on the direction of curriculum changes, or demonstrating to ministers the value of geographical research, there has never been a more important time for the Society to ‘make the case’ for geography.

■ To find out more about the Society’s policy work, visit www.rgs.org/policy

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16 www.geographical.co.uk FEBRUARY 2011 IN society

R O Y A L G E O G R A P H I C A L S O C I E T Y  W I T H I B G 

S E L E C T I O N O F E V E N T S

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 1

8 FEBRUARY, 7PM WILDCOAST:TRAVELS ONSOUTHAMERICA’S UNTAMEDEDGE (London City Lecture) Author John Gimlette describes his travels in the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and French Guiana, which, despite 400 years of colonial history, remain some of the wildest, weirdest and most beautiful lands in South America. Venue: The Clothworkers’ Hall, London EC3R 7AH.

i Tickets: free for RGS-IBG members and one guest (please bring your membership card)

21 FEBRUARY, 6.30PM INDIGENOUSMAPPING INTHECONGOBASIN: ORIGINS,PRESENT ANDFUTURE (Lecture, London) Dr Jerome Lewis describes his work with indigenous hunter-gatherers in the Congo Basin, where modern technology has helped them to regain a role in the management of their forest.

i Tickets: free for RGS-IBG members and one guest (please bring your membership card)

25 FEBRUARY, 7PM CASTLESANDCAMELS INRAJASTHAN (Lecture, Okehampton) Returning to this fascinating Indian state, Nick and Jill Hammans provide fresh impressions full of history and social contrast. Venue: Betty Cottles, Graddon Cross, Okehampton, EX20 4LR (meal afterwards at Betty Cottles)

i For further details, visit www.rgs. org/whatson or contact the Events Office on 020 7591 3100

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9 FEBRUARY, 5.15PM THEHEARTOFTHE GREATALONE (Lecture, Bath) Having completed the adventurers’ ‘grand slam’ of peaks and poles, few are better qualified to take us through the many unseen and remarkable photographs of the Shackleton and Scott expeditions from the Royal Collections than David HemplemanAdams. Venue: Bath University Lecture Theatre 8, West 1.1, Claverton Campus, Bath BA2 7AY.

i For further details, visit www.rgs. org/whatson or contact the Events Office on 020 7591 3100

24 FEBRUARY, 7.30PM BIG5KAYAKCHALLENGE (Lecture, Norwich) Richard Harpham, founder of the Big 5 Kayak Challenge, will talk about his experiences kayaking some 3,500 kilometres across North America, including seeing glaciers and ice floes, completing open sea crossings, and encountering wildlife such as wolves, whales, bears and moose. Venue: Kent Room, Assembly House, Theatre Street, Norwich NR2 1RQ

i For further details, visit www.rgs.org/whatson or contact the Events Office on 020 7591 3100

28 FEBRUARY, 6.30PM BRITAINFROMTHEAIR (Lecture, London) The Society’s director, Dr Rita Gardner, celebrates Britain’s rich geography and history through the stunningly beautiful and evocative aerial images that feature in the Society’s latest national street gallery exhibition, Britain from the Air.

i Tickets: free for RGS-IBG members and one guest (please bring your membership card)

PATRON Her Majesty The Queen

HONORARY PRESIDENT HRH The Duke of Kent

THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT Michael Palin CBE VICE PRESIDENTS Professor Michael Bradshaw,

Barnaby Lenon, Professor Heather Viles

HONORARY TREASURER Stephen Henwood

HONORARY SECRETARIES Dr Georgina Endfield (Research), Professor David Petley (Expeditions and Fieldwork), Catrin Woodend (Education)

MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL Benedict Allen, Michael Ashby,

Jamie-Buchanan-Dunlop, David Hayman, Dr Vanessa Lawrence, Dr Nick Middleton, Professor Susan Owens,

Professor Tony Parsons, Dr John Shears,

Major General Roy Wood

The Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) is a leading world centre for geographers and geographical learning. One of our aims is to stimulate the awareness and enjoyment of the subject to a diverse range of people. Geography is about the understanding of the people, places and environments of our world, the processes by which they are changing, and the interconnections between them – both locally and globally. The Society carries out a wide range of activities to support these aims. We support research groups; promote geography within the national curriculum; produce scholarly publications; provide training in scientific field techniques and expeditions; offer information through our large map collection, library and picture library, and engage the wider public through our popular national lecture series.

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FEBRUARY 2011 www.geographical.co.uk 17