5 Best Books on Field Observation

“Field Observations” by Rob Davidson Book Review: This book explores the lives of individuals who find themselves at difficult turning points, facing tough decisions, broken promises, and the fear of collapse. Davidson creates a diverse set of characters, including a retired math teacher, an auto mechanic, a technical writer, and a nurse living abroad. What unites them is the author’s ability to imbue each character with a fundamental sense of human dignity, regardless of their flaws. This collection addresses contemporary concerns such as romantic relationships, social interaction, divorce, aging, and alcoholism in an emotional and occasionally quirky manner.

“Integration of Computer Modeling and Field Observations in Geomorphology: Binghamton Geomorphology Symposium 2000” by J F Shroder and M P Bishop Book Review: This new book covers a range of topics related to fluvial cycles in overland and channelized streams in arid, moist, and periglacial regions with high and low relief. It also explores the interlinked biogeographic and geomorphic variations in alpine areas and the use of ground-penetrating radar in coastal geomorphology. The book addresses the long-term evolution of drainage systems in natural environments, including stream table conditions, and examines landscape features using GIS and remote sensing techniques. It assesses the environmental and biogeomorphic controls of landforms, and considers issues related to scientific observation, cartographic representation, DEMs, spatial analysis, and scaling. This book is relevant to researchers and students in geomorphology, environmental science, and related fields.

“Peacekeeping: Outspoken Observations by a Field Officer (Praeger Series in War Studies)” by John A English and James H Allan Book Review: The book examines the author’s direct involvement in five United Nations peacekeeping missions, highlighting how peacekeepers during the Cold War played a limited yet constructive role in managing global conflicts. However, the post-Cold War era saw ineffective new approaches to peacekeeping and failed ventures into enforcement, leading to a loss of credibility for the United Nations in the practice of peacekeeping. In a world marked by violence, peacekeeping will always play a minor supporting role to traditional diplomacy among the great powers, as well as to coalition and alliance efforts aimed at controlling conflicts. The author’s experience in peacekeeping missions in various parts of the Middle East, including Cyprus and Iran-Iraq, from 1967 to 1990, provides a rare and insightful perspective on peacekeeping.

“The Compleat Observer?: A Field Research Guide to Observation (Qualitative Studies Series, 2)” by Dr Jack Sanger and Jack Sanger Book Review: This book is an informative guide for qualitative researchers who want to improve their observational skills. The book covers topics such as selecting an observation site, developing observation skills, and data collection and analysis. It also includes chapters on ethical considerations, dealing with bias, and using technology for observation. Overall, the book is a useful resource for researchers looking to enhance their observational abilities in the field.

“Environmental Effects of Afforestation in North-Western Europe: From Field Observations to Decision Support (Plant and Vegetation)” by Gerrit W Heil and Bart Muys Book Review: The book is about planting new forests in Europe on land that used to be for farming. These new forests can give us many good things, like clean water and carbon storage, but they can also have bad effects like less groundwater. The book talks about how to figure out the good and bad effects and how to make decisions that help the environment. The book also shows how scientists study these effects and use computer models to make predictions about the future. The book is useful for people who work with forests and care about the environment.