Economic geography explores how economic activities and patterns are distributed across different spaces and regions. To systematically study these spatial economic processes, several approaches have been developed, categorized into Traditional, Philosophic, and Modern approaches.

Traditional Approaches

1. Regional Approach: This approach emphasizes studying 'regions,' defined as areas with specific characteristics such as climate, resources, industries, or administrative boundaries. Regions can be categorized by their agricultural, industrial, or socio-economic features. By analyzing these regions, geographers can understand the economic dynamics within and between regions and how regional characteristics influence economic development and vice versa.
2. Commodity or Topical Approach: This method focuses on the distribution of specific commodities or industries globally. It might involve studying the geographical distribution of a commodity like wheat or an industry such as textiles. This approach examines the historical development, spatial spread, and current trends affecting these commodities or industries, providing insights into factors influencing their production, distribution, and consumption.
3. Principles Approach: Grounded in fundamental economic principles, this approach explains various economic phenomena. Key principles include:
   • Geographic Relationship: How geographic factors impact economic activities.
   • Optimum Location: Identifying the best locations for economic activities.
   • Regional Specialization: Focusing on regions that specialize in specific economic activities.
   • Geographic Succession: Understanding how economic activities change and evolve over time. These principles offer a theoretical framework for analyzing economic activities and their spatial distributions.

Philosophic Approaches

1. Positivism: This approach applies scientific methods to economic geography, emphasizing empirical data and replicable results. Positivism relies on observable evidence and hypothesis testing to derive generalizable findings. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are crucial in positivist studies, allowing for precise analysis and visualization of economic patterns.
2. Structuralism: Structuralism argues that observable economic phenomena do not directly reveal their underlying causes. It suggests that to understand economic structures, geographers must develop and refine theories explaining the mechanisms influencing economic activities. Although structural theories are not always directly testable, they can be debated to enhance understanding.
3. Humanism: Critiquing both positivism and structuralism, humanism focuses on human agency and subjective experiences. Humanistic geographers argue that these approaches overlook the ways people interact with and shape their economic environments. Humanism emphasizes the lived experiences, values, perceptions, and decisions of individuals and communities, highlighting their impact on economic landscapes.

Modern Approaches

1. System Analysis: System analysis is a methodology for understanding complex economic systems by examining their components and interrelationships. This approach views economic systems as interconnected elements that form a cohesive whole. Analyzing these systems helps geographers understand how various economic factors interact and influence one another.
2. Behavioral Approach: This approach studies economic behavior and decision-making processes. It includes examining how individuals and organizations make decisions regarding business locations or farm operations and analyzing the outcomes of these decisions. Behavioral geographers also investigate consumer behavior, travel patterns, and other aspects of economic activity to understand how these behaviors shape economic landscapes.
3. Institutional Approach: Highlighted by Ron Martin (2003), the institutional approach emphasizes the role of social institutions in shaping economic activities. This approach argues that the economic landscape cannot be fully understood without considering the institutions—such as governments, businesses, and social organizations—that influence and structure economic activities. Focusing on these institutions helps geographers understand how economic systems are organized and how they evolve over time.