Methods of Regionalisation

🗺️ The Earth’s surface is diverse and complex. Regionalisation is the method by which this complexity is simplified, organized, and analyzed by dividing it into manageable and meaningful spatial units — called regions.

But how do we ensure that such divisions are logical, systematic, and purposeful?

One important contribution in this regard was made by Dr. B. Griggs, who laid down some principles of classification that act as guidelines for regionalisation.

Let’s understand

📘 Griggs’ Principles of Regional Classification

1️⃣ Classification Must Be Purpose-Specific

🎯 “The classification should be designed for a specific purpose.”

• The criteria and the type of regions we form depend entirely on the objective of study.

🧪 Example:

• If the aim is to study agricultural potential, we may classify regions based on:
  • Soil productivity
  • Water availability
  • Climate conditions

But if the goal is to study soil types, then classification might depend on:

• Soil color, texture, mineral content, etc.

✅ Conclusion: Same area may fall under different regional schemes depending on the purpose.

2️⃣ Differences in Kind Must Be Respected

🧬 “Objects that differ in kind should not be grouped under the same classification.”

• You cannot logically classify stones and animals under the same system, because they are fundamentally different in kind.

🔁 Exception:

• When the classification is based on association, like in ecological studies, we can include both flora and fauna under one system, because they interact within a shared habitat.

🧠 Analogy:

You can’t compare apples and oranges — unless you are classifying them as fruits.

3️⃣ Classifications Are Not Absolute

🔄 “Classifications must be open to revision with new information.”

• Regional schemes are dynamic, not fixed.
• As new data becomes available — like satellite imagery, GIS data, census results — our understanding of regions may change.

🧭 Example:

• A tribal region once thought to be economically isolated might now be part of a functional trade corridor — requiring reclassification.

✅ Takeaway: Regionalisation is a continuous process, evolving with knowledge.

4️⃣ Divisions Must Be Exhaustive and Mutually Exclusive

📦 “All parts must be included (exhaustive) and no part should belong to more than one category (exclusive).”

• No area should be left unclassified, and no area should fall into two or more classes at the same level.

🚫 Wrong Example:

• Grouping people as Hindus, Muslims, Jews, Europeans:
  • Not exhaustive (What about Buddhists? Atheists?)
  • Not exclusive (A person can be European and Muslim at the same time)

✅ Correct Approach:

• If classifying based on religion, use only religious categories.
• If classifying based on continent, use only geographic regions — don’t mix unrelated variables.

5️⃣ Use Consistent Principle at Each Stage

🧩 “Each stage of division should follow one logical principle.”

• Classification should not mix up unrelated criteria within the same hierarchy.

🚫 Illogical Division:

• Dividing India into:
  • Dry East (based on climate)
  • Industrial West (based on economy)

✅ Logical Division:

• If dividing by climate, stick to climatic zones:
  • Arid Zone
  • Semi-arid Zone
  • Tropical Monsoon Zone, etc.

This ensures clarity and avoids conceptual confusion.

6️⃣ Higher-Order Categories Must Use More Important Criteria

🔝 “In higher levels of classification, use broader and more significant criteria.”

• Higher-order regions (like continents, macro-regions) should be classified based on:
  • Fundamental and stable factors — e.g., geology, climate, major drainage systems.
• Lower-order regions (like districts or micro-regions) may use:
  • Finer, more specific criteria — e.g., crop types, literacy rate, road density, etc.

📊 Analogy:

• Nation-level planning needs big-picture criteria.
• Village-level planning needs micro-level data.

🧠 Summary of Griggs’ Principles

Principle	Explanation	Example
Purpose-Based Classification	Different purposes need different regional schemes	Soil color ≠ Soil productivity
Respect Differences in Kind	Don’t mix fundamentally different types	Stones ≠ Animals
Classifications are Evolving	New data = New regions	Functional vs Traditional view
Exhaustive and Exclusive	Every unit must be classified into only one category	Religion ≠ Geography mix is invalid
Consistency of Criteria	Use one principle at each level	Don’t mix economy and climate
Higher Categories = Broader Criteria	More general principles at higher level	Use geology for macro-regions

✅ Final Thought:

Regionalisation is not just about drawing lines on the map; it is a scientific method rooted in logic, purpose, and consistency. Griggs’ principles guide us to ensure that our regional divisions are intellectually sound and practically useful.