The Basics of Geography Chapter 1
Jan 18, 2016
The Basics of Geography
Chapter 1
What Is Geography?
• The study of the distribution and interaction of physical and human features on the earthDistribution – location, quantityInteraction – impact, affect/effect, adaptationPhysical features – plants and animals (flora &
fauna), landforms, climateHuman features – people, culture, economic
activity
The Five Themes
• Theme #1 Location (Where is it?)Absolute Location – exact place found using grid
system of latitude and longitude
Equator Prime Meridian
The Five Themes
Relative Location – describing the location relative to its surrounding environment
“Ellison High School is located in Killeen, Texas, off of Highway 190 on the corner of Trimmier and Elm streets”
The Five Themes
• Theme #2 Place (What’s it like?)Includes physical features such as climate,
landforms, and vegetationIncludes Human features such as people, culture,
houses, citiesPlace is not always constant – it may change over
time
The Five Themes
• Theme #3 Region (How are places similar or different?)Regions have characteristics that unify themFormal Region – defined by a limited number of
related characteristicsFunctional Region – organized around a set of
interactions and connections between placesPerceptual Region – a region in which people
perceive, or see, the characteristics of the region in the same way
The Five Themes
• Theme #4 Human –Environment Interaction (How do people relate to the physical world?)People learn to use what the environment offers
and/or change the environment to suit their needs
People learn to adapt to conditions they cannot control
The Five Themes
• Theme #5 Movement (How do people, goods, and ideas move from one location to another?)Linear Distance – how farTime Distance – how long Psychological Distance – How people view
distance
The Geographer’s Tools
• Maps and GlobesGlobe – three-dimensional representation of the
earth’s surfaceMap – two-dimensional representation of a
selected part of the earth’s surfaceCartographer – map makerMap Projection – a way of drawing the earth’s
surface by presenting the round earth on flat paper
The Geographer’s Tools
• MapmakingSurveying – observing, measuring, and recording a
section of the earth’s surfaceSatellites, Global Information System (GIS), Global
Positioning System (GPS)Finding Location
oGPSoCompasso Theodolite
The Geographer’s Tools
• Types of Maps • Physical
The Geographer’s Tools
• Political
The Geographer’s Tools
• Qualitative
The Geographer’s Tools
• Cartogram