Chapter 1 Essentials of Geography Robert W. Christopherson Charlie Thomsen

Essentials of Geography The Science of Geography   Earth Systems Concepts   Location and Time on Earth   Maps, Scales, and Projections   Remote Sensing and GIS  

The Science of Geography Geography – from geo “Earth” and graphein “to write”  Geography is a method, not a body of knowledge holistic eclectic Geographers use spatial analysis Geographers use Earth systems science

Geography Is The science that studies the relationships among natural systems geographic areas society cultural activities and the interdependence of all of these over space

Physical Geography Is The spatial analysis of all the physical elements and processes that make up the environment

Figure 1.2

Scientific Method Figure FS 1.1.1

Earth Systems Concepts Systems theory   Open systems Closed systems System feedback System equilibrium

Figure 1.3

Systems Figure 1.4

Systems in Geosystems Figure 1.7

Earth’s Four Spheres Figure 1.8

Positive Feedback in High-Latitude Meltponds Figure HLC 1.1.1

Earth’s Dimensions Figure 1.9

Measuring Earth in 247 B.C. Figure 1.10

Location and Time on Earth Latitude Longitude Great circles Prime Meridian and standard time

Latitude Figure 1.11

Latitudinal Geographic Zones Figure 1.12

Longitude Figure 1.13

Great Circles and Small Circles Figure 1.14

Prime Meridian and Standard Time Figure 1.17

Maps, Scales, and Projections Map – a generalized view of an area, as seen from above and reduced in size Scale – ratio of map units to ground units Projection – process of transforming spherical Earth to flat map

Classes of Map Projections Figure 1.21

Remote Sensing Active remote sensing Passive remote sensing

Active and Passive Remote Sensing Figure 1.25

Remote Sensing RADARSAT-1 GOES-12 Figure 1.26 Figure 1.27

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) GIS systems combine spatial and attribute data  Maps can contain multiple data layers: Physical features Cultural features Layers can be added to create composite overlay

GIS System Model Figure 1.29

Geosystems 7e An Introduction to Physical Geography End of Chapter 1 Geosystems 7e An Introduction to Physical Geography