An Introduction to Global Geography

What is Geography? It is a complex subject that studies the earth’s inhabitants, the environment and the way they interact with one another It is a complex subject that studies the earth’s inhabitants, the environment and the way they interact with one another In particular, Global Geography emphasizes the two- way interactions between the human world and natural worlds, especially the process that affect both these worlds and reveal their interconnectedness. In particular, Global Geography emphasizes the two- way interactions between the human world and natural worlds, especially the process that affect both these worlds and reveal their interconnectedness. What is your own definition? What is your own definition?

Geographical Interactions Often times in geography we study the way that the natural world has an effect on the human world or vice versa Often times in geography we study the way that the natural world has an effect on the human world or vice versa What are some examples? What are some examples? - Natural disasters - Culture - Economic They are all interconnected in some way

Natural Disasters

Culture

Economics

Geography’s Importance Why have we studied geography in the past and continue today? Why have we studied geography in the past and continue today? It was historically a matter of survival where civilizations chose to establish settlements It was historically a matter of survival where civilizations chose to establish settlements We still question: We still question: -where to put new shopping malls -where to put gas lines -where to develop new subdivisons -where to put our dumps/waste disposal

Maps The worlds oldest known map was inscribed on a clay tablet and believed to be from ancient Mesopotamia around 2500 BCE The worlds oldest known map was inscribed on a clay tablet and believed to be from ancient Mesopotamia around 2500 BCE Cartography and the study of geography was important even in Ancient times Cartography and the study of geography was important even in Ancient times Maps provide us with visual representations of space and place. They are also used to express data. Maps provide us with visual representations of space and place. They are also used to express data. Where and for what purposes have you seen maps used? Where and for what purposes have you seen maps used?

Early Mesopotamian Map Clay Tablet

Map of the World - Ptolemy AD AD

Hereford Mappamundi

Vesconte 1321

Mercator 1569

World Map 2009

Geography…. On an intellectual level – satisfies curiosity about other cultures and places around the globe On an intellectual level – satisfies curiosity about other cultures and places around the globe On a practical level – develops our sense of responsibility for the health of our planet and its citizens On a practical level – develops our sense of responsibility for the health of our planet and its citizens By developing an understanding of geography we realize that we are dependent on the Earth’s environment By developing an understanding of geography we realize that we are dependent on the Earth’s environment As well, we learn how connected we are with the rest of earth’s citizens As well, we learn how connected we are with the rest of earth’s citizens