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University Daily Kansan
Friday, Jan.15, 1965
KU Prof Explains Population Ills
The population explosion in the world today is probably the result of poor distribution of population rather than overpopulation, a KU associate professor of geography says.
Prof. Robert E. Nunley bases this on detailed mapping of the distribution of population in Central America. He has recently received a $70,. 900 National Science Foundation grant for 21/2 years further study in this area.
"IN ITS COMPLETED form, my research will show what has and will happen in population distribution, and will enable more intelligent decisions based on known consequences."
Using field observation, aerial photographs and census counts, he is now able to plot both rural and urban distribution of population.
Prof. Nunley spent last summer in Central America under a Ford Foundation grant for faculty members who specialize in international development.
Computer methods will be used to analyze descriptive statistics of population distribution.
With the assistance of several graduate students, Prof. Nunley is preparing 74 detailed maps, of four miles to the inch, showing individual houses, clusters of houses, major drainage, principle towns, transportation routes and boundaries of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, and British Honduras.
THIS DATA WILL then be recorded on magnetic tape for computer determination of structure, distance, and dominant physical and cultural factors affecting the distribution of population.
--lead to effective population planning in countries other than those of Central America.
ENDS TONITE!
"Father Goose"
The ultimate goal will be construction of simple projection models and approaches to complex models of alteration and control of population distribution.
Prof. Nunley will return to Central America for more descriptive analysis this summer.
His work is described by John P. Augelli, professor of geography and chairman of the Latin American Area Studies, as one employing new methods and techniques which will
"Dr. Nunley's work is a methodological breakthrough which can be a springboard for investigations in sociology, economics, anthropology and political science," Prof. Augelli said.
Fluent in Spanish, Prof. Nunley has been an intelligence analyst in Latin America and has done field research in Costa Rica. He came to KU in 1962
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