The relationship between space perceptions and enviromental literacy skills in the secondary school social studies course teaching program and crime geography

Geography and forensic science are seemingly different disciplines, but there is an integral relationship between them in the investigation and solving of some crimes. Geographic information plays an important role in forensic science as it provides tools and approaches for analyzing crimes, location of evidence, and understanding environmental factors that may be relevant during investigations. Geography is the science that focuses on the study of the Earth's surface, its features, phenomena, and relationships. Forensic science, on the other hand, is a set of scientific disciplines used to collect, analyze and present evidence in criminal investigations. The relationship between the two manifests itself in various ways. The geographic location of crimes is a critical element in any investigation. Forensic experts use geography to determine where a crime occurred and how geographical conditions may have affected the incident. Soil and vegetation studies are an integral part of a criminal investigation. Geographers help interpret how soil and vegetation types in a particular location can provide clues to a crime or the location of remains. Geoanalysis allows forensic experts to map and visualize data about a case, which is essential for reconstructing crime scenes and presenting evidence. Forensic geography is used in research that requires an in-depth understanding of physical geography to determine the causes and consequences of events such as earthquakes, floods or forest fires. Geographic Criminal Profiles are based on the location of previous crimes and help law enforcement focus their investigations. Crime prediction contributes to predicting future crimes as it allows authorities to prevent crimes more effectively by identifying crime patterns and risk areas. Geography and criminal sciences are progressing in an integrated manner. These disciplines of knowledge are linked to the investigation and solution of crimes, as well as to understanding those related to justice. The application of geographical tools and geographical analysis techniques in the forensic field is important in resolving the complexity of cases and providing justice more effectively. This intersection between geography and forensic science is an important example of how different disciplines collaborate to address issues of societal importance. Courses on Environmental Literacy and Spatial Perception Skills, which are included in the secondary education curriculum in Turkey, provide important information that will give people ideas about protecting themselves from crime, staying away from crime, and tracking and solving crimes in case of development, both in student life and in later adult life.