Chapter 1 The Geographer’s Tools Section 1 The Six Elements of Geography

The World in Spatial Terms Geography-is the study of the special physical and human characteristics of a place or region. An important part of geography is the relationship between humans and their environment. Environment-physical surroundings.

The World in Spatial Terms A geographer might also study culture. Culture-a learned system of shared beliefs, traits, and values. Example: Texas Big Cover approximately 267,000 square miles 2nd largest state (in both size and population)

The World in Spatial Terms Geographers look at where things are on the Earth’s surface. ie…Location of Texas cities: Near water sources Near transportation centers (highways, rivers, and railroads) Near a larger city (Pearland is close to Houston)

Tools Different tools of a Geographer: MAPS

Tools Charts & Graphs Navigation Tools Increasing Population of Texas

Tools Satellites Satellites-are located in space and are able to take aerial photos For geographers to study and use to better understand the earth.

Tools Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-is a computer database that stores huge amounts of data and/or information. Geographers use these GIS databases to help in future planning. ie…where to build Roads Railroads Dams

Places and Regions People’s culture and experiences affect their ideas of place and regions. A Place has physical and human characteristics that make it special. Physical Characteristics include: Plant and Animal life Sources of Water Weather and Climate Landforms Soils

Places and Regions Landforms-are natural shapes on Earth’s surface. Ie…Mountains, hills, and valleys Human Characteristics include ethnicity, language, political and economic systems, population distribution, religion, and standard of living.

Places and Regions A region is an area with common characteristics that make it different from surrounding areas. Regions are defined by people to organize the world. Regions can be as large as Texas or as small as a neighborhood.

Places and Regions Formal Regions-has one or more shared characteristics, that could be based on physical features (plant life), cultural (people’s beliefs), economic ($$$), or political. examples: Countries, states, and cities.

Places and Regions Functional Regions-is made up of different places that function together as a unit. Example: Dallas-Ft. Worth is a FUNCTIONAL REGION they are separate areas/cities, but are apart of the same Metropolitan area.

Places and Regions Perceptual Region-is defined by people’s shared attitudes, culture, and feelings about an area. Examples of PERCEPTUAL REGIONS are Central Texas and the Panhandle (perceptual regions usually have vague borders) Geographers try to learn what defines a place or region and what makes it special.

Physical Systems and Human Systems Geographers study the physical processes and interactions among 4 physical systems-Earth’s atmosphere, land, water, and life. Physical Processes shape and change the Earth’s physical features. examples: Texas’ coastline changes as tides from the Gulf of Mexico move beach sand, or weather determines where people choose to live.

Physical Systems and Human Systems Ecosystem-is all of an area’s plants and animals together with the nonliving parts of their environment. Earth is the largest ecosystem. A beach, an island, and a pond are all ecosystems. Human activity and natural events can change ecosystems. Example: During the 1930s drought and overgrazing led to loss of topsoil and plant life in West Texas, thus creating the West Texas we know today (desert).

Physical Systems and Human Systems Human Systems is studying an areas population distribution, growth, and movement to understand human events and geography. Migration-is the movement of people. Urbanization-is an increase in people living or working in cities.

Environment and Society One of the most important topics in geography is how people interact with the environment. Human interaction can be favorable: Planting Trees Recycling Human interaction can be un-favorable: Pollution Loss of Wildlife

Roy Bedichek (1878-1959) Roy Bedichek was a Texas naturalist who warned of the dangers of pollution some 50 years ago.

Review The Six Essential Elements of Geography: The World in Spatial Terms Places and Regions Physical Systems Human Systems Environment and Society The Uses of Geography

References Holt Texas! Holt, Rinehart AND Winston 2003 http://www.bedichek.org/roy/graphics/Roy_Bed ichek_1947.jpg&imgrefurl