Geography is the scientific and systematic study of both the physical and cultural features of the earth’s surface. It is a spatial perspective looking at patterns and distributions on the earth’s surface.

Questions that “Geography” addresses Where are things located?Where are things located? Why are they important?Why are they important? How are places related?How are places related? How are places connected?How are places connected? How are humans affected by these locations?How are humans affected by these locations?

Tools and Methods of Geographers Collecting DataCollecting Data –Field Studies –Secondary Sources (censuses, surveys, maps, and photographs) –Since WWII (aerial photography, radar, underwater crafts (bathyspheres) and “Remote Sensing” with satellites. Information obtained from the Landsat satellite is used to map land use, manage forested land, estimate crop prodution, monitoring grazing conditions, access to quality water and protect wildlife –Global Positioning System-a series of satellites that provide precise information on location, altitude, and time

Tools and Methods of Geographers Cartography-the art and science of creating, using and study of mappingCartography-the art and science of creating, using and study of mapping –The map is the most important tool of geography –Maps provide a wealth of factual information such as visual comparisons between areas and geographic features of an area

Tools and Methods of Geographers Analyzing Geographic InformationAnalyzing Geographic Information –Since the 1950’s geographers have made increasing use of quantitative methods and techniques to analyze data –Quantitative methods have been particularly useful in location theory and population distribution –Google and other apps are gathering some of the most accurate and up to the minute data about your geography

Tools and Methods of Geographers Geographic Information SystemsGeographic Information Systems –GIS is a computer technology that manages georeferenced information –GIS allows the analysis of mass amounts of data in a two or three dimensional imaging systems

Tools and Methods of Geographers Types of Maps Thematic –Dot maps –Choropleth maps –Isoline maps

Tools and Methods of Geographers Types of Maps Topographic

Tools and Methods of Geographers Types of Maps Physical

Tools and Methods of Geographers Types of Maps Political

THE 5 THEMES OF GEOGRAPHY NOTES NOTES

THE FIVE THEMES OF GEOGRAPHY LocationLocation PlacePlace Human-Environment InteractionHuman-Environment Interaction MovementMovement RegionsRegions

LOCATION Where are we? Absolute LocationAbsolute Location –A latitude and longitude (global location) or a street address (local location). –Paris France is 48 o North Latitude and 2 o East Longitude. –The White House is located at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Relative Location –Described by landmarks, time, direction or distance. From one place to another. –Go 1 mile west on main street and turn left for 1 block. You are

PLACE What is it like there, what kind of place is it? Human Characteristics What are the main languages, customs, and beliefs. How many people live, work, and visit a place. Physical Characteristics Landforms (mountains, rivers, etc.), climate, vegetation, wildlife, soil, etc.

HUMAN-ENVIRONMENT INTERACTION How do humans and the environment affect each other?How do humans and the environment affect each other? –We depend on it. People depend on Lake Michigan for water and transportation.People depend on Lake Michigan for water and transportation. –We modify it. People modify our environment byPeople modify our environment by creating dams to produce electricity. –We adapt to it. We adapt to the environment by wearingWe adapt to the environment by wearing clothing suitable for summer (shorts) and winter (coats), rain and shine.

MOVEMENT How are people, goods, ideas moved from place to place?How are people, goods, ideas moved from place to place? –Human Movement Trucks, Trains, PlanesTrucks, Trains, Planes –Information Movement Phones, computer ( ), mailPhones, computer ( ), mail –Idea Movement How do fads move from place to place?How do fads move from place to place? TV, Radio, Magazines

REGIONS How are Regions similar to and different from other places?How are Regions similar to and different from other places? REGION: basic unit of geographic study, an area on the earth’s surface that is defined by certain unifying characteristics.REGION: basic unit of geographic study, an area on the earth’s surface that is defined by certain unifying characteristics.

–Formal Regions Region s defined by governmental or administrative boundaries (States, Countries, Cities)Region s defined by governmental or administrative boundaries (States, Countries, Cities) Regions defined by similar characteristics (Corn Belt, Rocky Mountain region, Chinatown).Regions defined by similar characteristics (Corn Belt, Rocky Mountain region, Chinatown).

–Functional Regions Regions defined by a function (newspaper service area, cell phone coverage area).Regions defined by a function (newspaper service area, cell phone coverage area). –Vernacular Regions Regions defined by peoples perception (middle east, the south, etc. )Regions defined by peoples perception (middle east, the south, etc. )

Regions in Chicago

Regions in the USA

U.S. National Park Regions

Cell phone regions

EPA REGIONS

World Language Regions USUS English

Regions in the world

Regions in Illinois

Remembering the 5 themes If you can’t remember what they are just ask MR. HELP!!!If you can’t remember what they are just ask MR. HELP!!! M – MovementM – Movement R – RegionsR – Regions HE – Human Environment interactionHE – Human Environment interaction L – LocationL – Location P - PlaceP - Place

Assessment Analyze a visual using the five themes of geogrpahyAnalyze a visual using the five themes of geogrpahy