What is geography? What is the location of the Atlantic Ocean relative to Africa?

SSWG1 The student will explain the physical aspects of geography. Describe the concept of place by explaining how physical characteristics such as landforms, bodies of water, climate, soils, natural vegetation, and animal life are used to describe a place. Explain how human characteristics, such as population settlement patterns, and human activities, such as agriculture and industry, can describe a place. Analyze the interrelationship between physical and human characteristics of a place.

Geography involves the study of places: their locations, their characteristics, and how humans use and move around them. 3

Geographers view the world in terms of the use of space. Geographers study the world by looking at location, place, region, movement, and human-environment interaction. 4

Geographers and Historians - Historians look at events over time Geographers look at: - Use of space on Earth - Interactions that take place there - Patterns and connections between people and land Geography is the study of the distribution and interaction of: - Physical features on Earth - Human features on Earth 5

Methods of Geography Geographers use a variety of tools: - Maps - Photographs - Charts, graphs, tables - scale models - satellites - Five themes of geography 6

Geographers use two- and three-dimensional tools to learn about the earth. Geographers use computer-assisted technology to study the use of the earth’s surface. Cartographer (mapmaker) tries to accurately reflect earth’s surface how locations of places, landforms, bodies of water Surveyors observe, measure, record what they see in a specific area Remote sensing, gathering geographic data from a distance, includes: - Aerial photography - Satellite imaging 7

Globe—a three-dimensional representation (a sphere) of Earth Map—a two-dimensional graphic representation of Earth’s surface 8

Types of Maps Three types of maps: general reference, thematic, navigational A topographic map is one kind of general reference map Topographic map—shows natural and man-made features of earth Thematic map—shows specific data such as climate, population density A navigation map is used by sailors, pilots Cardinal Directions are the most common form of direction. (North, South, East, West) Political Maps are designed to show boundaries of countries, cities, and states. Physical Maps are designed to show physical features of the world. (Mountains, Plateaus, etc…) 9

Geographic Information Systems Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a digital geographic database Combines and displays information from many sources Global Positioning System (GPS) Uses series of 24 Navstar satellites to beam information to Earth Hand-held GPS receivers on Earth display exact position GPS used by explorers, sailors, drivers; also used to track animals 10

Satellites Best known satellites are Landsat and GOES Landsat is a series of satellites; can scan the entire planet in 16 days Geostationary Operational Environment Satellite (GOES): - Orbits in sync with Earth’s rotation - gathers images of atmospheric conditions 11