Introduction to Geography Chapter 1
What is Geography? everything study of human and physical features on Earth
Who Uses Geography? cartographers map makers
meteorologists study of weather
business sales, planning, etc tourism politicians
What tools are used by geographers? Maps
Photographs
Charts, graphs, etc
Five Themes of Geography
MR. HELP Movement Region Human/Environment Interaction Location Place
Regions
Region an area with one or more common features that make it different than the surrounding area defined by physical or human characteristics
Types of Regions formal functional perceptual
Formal Region one or more common features that make it distinct Ex. Africa
Functional Region different places that are linked together and function as a unit Ex. cities, mall
Perceptual Region reflect human feelings or attitudes special features that make them different “the South”
Essential Elements of Geo.
The World in Spatial Terms using maps to study people, places, and environments
Places and Regions determining how physical and human characteristics define a region
Physical Systems earthquakes, mountains, rivers, weather, etc how plants and animals relate to these
Human Systems ways of life things we produce and trade government systems conflicts
Environment and Society relationship b/t people and the environment
Latitude and Longitude east/west Longitude north/south Latitude goes around the earth. Longitude goes over the earth
Equator imaginary line, circles the halfway point latitude measures north and south of equator parallels
Prime Meridian imaginary line from North to South Pole (through England) longitude measures east/west from here (meridians)
Hemispheres
Continents
Oceans
Map Projections projection- show curved surface of earth on a flat surface Three types: cylindrical conical flat-plane
Types of Maps Physical Map- Shows Geographic Features Political Map- Shows Regions and political boundaries. Thematic- Emphasis a single idea or a particularkind of information
Examples of Maps
Globes vs. Maps Globe- A scale model of the Earth Map- A symbolic representation of all or part of the planet