Dedicated since ancient times to the study of interactions between Life processes and the environmental influences of our Earth-world home, and recognized by Charles Darwin as 'the Queen of Sciences', Geography has provided an epistemological store of knowledge relating to past human experiences, whether propitious or doleful in nature. This pool of wisdom recorded in the Language of Geographical connectivity, could be of great potential value in guiding decisions, and the formulation of remedial strategies required to redress the pernicious effects of human cupidity and reckless exploitation of human and physical resources. But, the discipline of Geography has become an isolated and fractured science, at a time when it could be called upon to counter the destructive effects of systemic problems, such as climate change. The world is at a crossroads, reeling in shock from the traumatic effects of war, clouded with anxiety about the future.

An insightful guide to the concepts and practices of modern landscape ecology Elements of geography, conservation biology, soil science and other disciplines factor into landscape ecology's rich analyses of the ecological and environmental forces at play across different terrains. With its unique, organism-oriented approach to the subject, Applied Landscape Ecology considers the effects of ecological processes upon particular species and places its findings within the context of larger-scale concerns. Students, researchers, and practitioners alike will find this a rewarding and instructive read that offers practical and detailed information on the latest methods and technologies used in the field today. This essential resource: Takes an interdisciplinary approach to landscape ecology Examines the subject within the contexts of specific organisms Covers cutting-edge technologies and methods Represents a collaboration between an international team of landscape ecology experts Whether new to the practice or an established ecologist, anyone with an interest in this exciting and developing field should have a copy of Applied Landscape Ecology at their disposal.

Applied Geography offers an invaluable introduction to useful research in physical, environmental and human geography and provides a new focus and reference point for investigating and understanding problem-orientated research. Forty-nine leading experts in the field introduce and explore research which crosses the traditional boundary between physical and human geography. A wide range of key issues and contemporary debates are within the books main sections, which cover: natural and environmental hazards environmental change and management challenges of the human environment techniques of spatial analysis Applied geography is the application of geographic knowledge and skills to identify the nature and causes of social, economic and environmental problems and inform policies which lead to their resolution.

Applied Geography, A World Perspective reviews progress in applied geography in different regions of the world. It does this through the eyes of an international panel of highly regarded academic practitioners. The book offers new prospects on the use of established approaches and explores exciting new territories. Together, the contributors provide a comprehensive picture of applied geography today. This book is of relevance to faculty and graduate students in the fields of geography, planning, public policy, regional science and other related social and behavioural sciences.

Applied geography, a new frontier in geographic discipline, distinguishes itself from other branches of geography through the application of geographical knowledge and its techniques in solving practical problems of the land and the environment. Explorations in Applied Geography is a felicitation volume in honour of Professor L.R. Singh, Department of Geography, University of Allahabad, who has established his international credentials as a leading exponent of Applied Geography. He considers public policy to be one of the applications of applied geographic principles, since many problems facing society today have a geographical dimension. To Professor L.R. Singh, Applied Geography is the strategy of the trinity of men, space and resources which need to be harmonized in advancing human well-being. This volume, contributed by geographers of eminence within the country and from other parts of the globe, focuses on the following thrust areas: • Natural and environmental hazards • Environmental change and management • Challenges of the human environment • Application of techniques of spatial analysis In a nutshell, the book emphasizes the important proactive role that the Applied Geography must play in the formulation of public policies and programmes for sustainable human development. This comprehensive and classic compendium will not only be useful to post-graduate students in geography but also provide new vistas in geographic research.

Our aim in writing this book is to provide students and teachers with a simple introductory text which deals with practical aspects of ecology, environmen tal biology and biogeography, emphasizing actual field and classroom investigations. Basic concepts and methods of survey, mapping and aerial photography, data collection and data analysis are described and discussed, in order to encourage students to identify and tackle worthwhile projects. The level at which this text is appropriate depends very much upon particular circumstances. The greater part lies within the scope of the sixth form and the first and second years of college, polytechnic and university courses in the British Isles and their equivalents overseas. All students inevitably meet difficulties in the identification of plant and animal species, particularly when they venture into unfamiliar habitats and regions. This is often the cause of unnecessary alarm. Many ecological principles or problems may be illustrated by reference to familiar species and habitats, such as are found in urban environments, as well as those areas of semi-natural vegetation favoured for field courses.

The completion of this collection took many months, and, for a variety of reason, required the assistance and/or indulgence of a number of individuals. First and foremost, I would like to thank Tim Hudson for his useful input and support at the outset of the project Likewise, I would like to thank Jesse O. McKee for providing a hospitable environment during my affiliation with the University of Southern Mississippi. At Louisiana State University I am grateful to Sam Hilliard and Carville Earle for their invaluable understanding. The book became part of the GeoJoumal Library as a result of Wolf Tietze's confidence in the topic, and because of Henri G. van Dorssen's (and Kluwer Academic Publishers') good nab.lre - despite numerous 'problems'. Curtis C. Roseman, and the remainder of the Geography Department at the University of Southern California (where I completed many last minute details for the volume), are to be thanked for the cordial and warm environ ment I received while a visitor in Los Angeles. Finally, no multi-authored collection reaches completion without the help of many patient contributors. This particular book suffered many set-backs along the way, so I am particularly grateful to the authors herein. They demonstrated their compassion and exceptional professionalism throughout, by never second-guessing my decisions, and by allowing me to remedy the set-backs in my own way. They were a pleasure to work with, and they should take pride in their achievements.