Basic Geography

What is geography? Geography: the study of Earth’s surface and the processes that shape it, the connections between places, and the relationships between people and their environment We will be looking at the basics

The Continents Seven Continents: North America South America Europe Asia Australia Africa Antarctica

The Seven Continents

The Oceans 5 Oceans Atlantic Ocean Pacific Ocean Indian Ocean Arctic Ocean The Southern Ocean - new

The Oceans

Map

Five Elements on a Map Title Compass rose Legend (key) Scale Inset map

Compass Rose A directional arrow that shows cardinal and sometimes intermediate directions on a map.

Legend (key) A list that explains the symbols on a map

Map Scale A graphic that compares the distance on a map to the actual distance it represents

Inset Map A smaller map set within the border of a larger one.

The Hemispheres Northern Southern Eastern Western Equator: line of latitude that separates the Northern and Southern hemispheres Prime Meridian: line of longitude that separates the Eastern and Western hemispheres

The Hemispheres

Lines of Latitude Latitude is a way to measure the distance north or south of the Earth’s Equator. Divides the earth into north and south The lines of latitude are parallel to the Equator. Equally Spaced Run east and west The Equator is at 0 degrees latitude (0°). The North Pole is at 90 degrees north (90°N). The South Pole is at 90 degrees south (90°S). Lines of latitude can be called "parallels." as in "the 45th Parallel."

Lines of Latitude

Lines of Longitude Longitude is a way to measure the east-west distance on Earth. Are not parallel- they meet at the North and South Poles. Run north and south It is measured from zero longitude, also called the Prime Meridian. The Prime Meridian passes through the North Pole, the South Pole, and Greenwich, England. The other longitude lines are measured as being either east (E) or west (W) of the Prime Meridian. Lines of longitude can be called "meridians."

Lines of Longitude

Types of Maps

Types of Maps Physical- focuses on political divisions Political- focuses on the geography Topographic- focuses on the topography Climate- focuses on the weather patterns Economic/resource- focuses on natural resources Road Map- focuses on the roads and highways Thematic Map- can be on any given subject

Identify Map Types Political Map

Identify Map Types Physical Map

Identify Map Types Topographical Map

Identify Map Types Natural Resources

Identify Map Types Climate Map

Identify Map Types Road Map

Identify Map Types Thematic Map

Projections http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4wgFSHZXBg

Mercator Projection Definition: A projection that shows the accurate location of continents and oceans. However, the land and water areas are greatly distorted towards the North and South Poles.

Robinson projection Definition: An oval-shaped projections. The continents are shown accurately, but the water areas are expanded to fill the extra space. Created by the American cartographer Arthur Robinson.

Comparison