System Earth in geographical sciences

Abstract

Geographical research is focused on nothing less than the Earth. Geographers of the 20th century wanted to find out, how spatial systems work, could be explained or even developed. An important theory for geographical research was developed by Alfred Hettner. Since 1894, Hettner was professor for geography in Leipzig. He founded the international well-known magazine "Geographische Zeitschrift". His theory for research implicated the analysis of six aspects of space: geology, morphology, climate, flora, fauna and men. His field of research was to identify single elements in the landscape and their influence on the whole system. He tried to analyse the causality and influence of the six aspects and their significance for instance for the possibilities to make a living, economic abilities and even cultural expressions.