Geography | Transport and Communication (Fundamentals of Human Geography)

Transport:

• Transport is a service that facilitates the movement of people and goods from one place to another using various modes such as human, animal, and vehicle-based transport.
• It includes loading, unloading, and delivery services and forms a crucial part of the economic infrastructure.

Modes of Transportation:

1. Land Transport:
   • Roads: Roads are economical for short distances and offer door-to-door service. They can be metalled (all-weather) or unmetalled. Developed countries have better-quality roads due to significant investment in construction and maintenance.
   • Railways: Railways are ideal for transporting bulky goods and passengers over long distances. They connect industrial areas, urban centers, and mineral-rich regions. Trans-continental railways link major economic centers across continents.
2. Water Transport:
   • Sea Routes: Sea routes are used for international trade and are cost-effective for transporting large quantities of goods. Major sea routes include the North Atlantic Sea Route, Mediterranean-Indian Ocean Sea Route, and the North Pacific Sea Route.
   • Inland Waterways: Rivers, canals, lakes, and coastal areas facilitate inland water transport. Important inland waterways include the Rhine Waterway, Danube Waterway, and the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway.
3. Air Transport:
   • Air transport is the fastest mode of transport but also the most expensive. It is vital for connecting remote and inhospitable areas and is more developed in industrialized countries.
   • Inter-continental air routes link major cities across continents, facilitating international travel and trade.
4. Pipelines:
   • Pipelines are used for transporting water, petroleum, natural gas, and other fluids. They provide an uninterrupted flow and are commonly used in countries like the USA, Russia, and India.

Communication:

• Communication involves the transmission of information over distances using telegraph, telephone, and modern technologies like the internet and satellite communication.
• Optical Fibre Cables (OFC) and the internet have revolutionized communication, enabling large quantities of data to be transmitted quickly and efficiently.

Satellite Communication:

• Artificial satellites are deployed in Earth’s orbit to enhance communication and connectivity. India has developed and launched its own satellites, such as Aryabhatta, Bhaskar, and INSAT series, for long-distance communication and weather forecasting.

Cyber Space-Internet:

• The internet, also known as cyber space, provides instant connectivity and access to information. It encompasses various online services like email, e-commerce, e-learning, and e-governance.
• The majority of internet users are in countries like the USA, UK, Germany, Japan, China, and India.

Assignments for CBSE Class 12 Geography Chapter “Transport and Communication – Fundamentals of Human Geography”

1. Case Study Analysis: Analyze the impact of the development of the internet on global communication and trade.
2. Research Project: Investigate the role of trans-continental railways in economic integration and development.
3. Debate Preparation: Prepare for a debate on the environmental impact of different modes of transport.
4. Chart Creation: Create a flowchart illustrating the various modes of transport and communication, their advantages, and their disadvantages.
5. Role Play: Conduct a mock international conference where students represent different countries discussing their transport and communication infrastructure.

Conclusion

The chapter “Transport and Communication – Fundamentals of Human Geography” provides a comprehensive understanding of the different modes of transport and communication systems that facilitate the movement of goods, people, and information. It highlights the significance of efficient transport and communication networks in economic development and globalization.