In the Practical Work in Geography textbook for Class 12, Chapter 1 is titled “Data – Its Source and Compilation”. This chapter introduces students to the basic concept of data in geography, how it is collected, and how it is organised for analysis. It explains the difference between primary and secondary data, and how surveys, censuses, reports, and online sources play a role in building geographic knowledge. This chapter forms the foundation for practical work like data analysis, mapping, and presentation. Without understanding how data is collected and compiled, students won’t be able to move forward with meaningful interpretation.
I’m writing about this chapter because it’s often overlooked. Students think practical books are easy, but many struggle when it comes to real exam questions or project work. Knowing about sources of data and how to compile it properly is not just for CBSE exams—this knowledge is helpful in real-life studies, surveys, and even research work. Whether you are preparing field reports, doing a school project, or learning how government agencies like Census of India or IMD collect data, this chapter is key. That’s why I’m breaking it down here in simple terms, and also giving the official NCERT PDF link at the end of this post.
What is Data in Geography?
Data in geography refers to any type of information that helps us understand geographical facts or patterns. It can be numbers, facts, figures, or observations that tell us about population, land use, climate, crops, pollution levels, etc. In simple words, data is the base of all geographical analysis.
There are two main types of data:
- Primary Data – Collected directly by the person or organisation through fieldwork, surveys, interviews, questionnaires, etc.
- Secondary Data – Already collected by someone else and available in published form, like reports, newspapers, websites, books, and government databases.
Understanding the source of data is very important. If you know where the data comes from, you can judge its reliability, accuracy, and usefulness.
Sources of Data
1. Primary Sources
These are original and collected directly from the field.
- Observation (like noting cloud cover, temperature)
- Interviewing people
- Using questionnaires
- Field surveys
- GPS-based data collection
For example, if you visit a village and collect rainfall data from farmers, that is primary data.
2. Secondary Sources
These are second-hand and already available in written or digital form.
- Census of India
- Statistical Abstracts
- Reports from Planning Commission or NITI Aayog
- Weather reports by IMD
- Satellite images
- Books and journals
A common example of secondary data is downloading population statistics from the Census website.
Download PDF: NCERT Class 12 Practical Geography Chapter 1
NCERT Class 12 Geography (Practical Work in Geography) Chapter 1: Data – Its Source and Compilation
