GEOGRAPHY AND HUMAN GEOGRAPHY CHAPTER 1

WHAT IS THE TASK OF THE HUMAN GEOGRAPHER? Spatial Analysis. What is it? Analyze features of the Earth’s surface. Where/Why there/Why Care? Look for distribution and pattern 2 MAJOR DIVISIONS OF GEOGRAPHY STUDY? Physical Geography (Natural) Human Geography (Cultural)

5 THEMES OF GEOGRAPHY 1. LOCATION

2. HUMAN / ENVIRONMENT INTERACTION

3. REGION

1. Which of the following is true concerning regions ? a) they are figments of the imagination b) they are conceptual units c) they all have well defined boundaries d) they are strict functional units e) they are usually defined by a standard mathematical formula

4. PLACE

5. MOVEMENT

What’s missing When National Geographic society created the 5 themes they did not include….. Landscape

MAIN TOOL OF THE GEOGRAPHER? MAP! Map Making History: Original study of map making… Cartography Today: we use remote sensing geographic information systems… use aircraft, photography, satellites, environmental changes. What is the challenge? (Hint: Curves)

MAP Maps demonstrate vital Geo. Rule: No two places are exactly alike

THINGS TO CONSIDER WITH MAPS Maps are created for different purposes Maps have a focus Maps tell a story Maps are timely / ever changing

“Unique” spin on maps MENTAL (Cognitive) MAP Who knows what the State of IL looks like??? DRAW IT!!!!!

2. Which of the following is false regarding cognitive (mental) maps ? a.They vary between people of different social and educational backgrounds b.They enable people to navigate through space c.No two cognitive (mental) maps look the same d.They accurately reflect mapped hazards e.They guide spatial behavior 3. A cognitive (mental) map tells us a.which projection to use b.what someone believes and thinks is important about a place c. the absolute location of features in the landscape d.everything that someone knows about the place they live e.the precise location of the most important landmarks

LOCATION IN MAPS: 2 IDEAS Location is essential to understanding maps… WHY? How do we break down LOCATION?

Absolute Location (Site) Vs. Relative Location (Situation)

REGIONS Why is “space” organized into REGIONS??? Organization To group phenomena Distinguish between regions

Regions Based on…??? Physical > Mtn. Range, Land type Cultural > language, religion Imagination > In our minds All regions have AREA & BOUNDARIES

3 REGION CLASSIFICATIONS 1.FORMAL / UNIFORM Based on similarity or uniform characteristics throughout region TIBET Plateau Buddhism

REGION Classifications conT’d 2. FUNCTIONAL / NODAL Product of interactions or movement of some kind Social / Econ. Relationship ties it together City & Suburbs Commuting Living v. Working

REGION Classifications conT’d 3. PERCEPTUAL / VERNACULAR Exists in the minds of people “DEEP South” “Dixie” “Gold Coast” “Bible Belt”

4. Perceptual regions reflect a.personal or popular impressions of territory and spatial divisions b.are perceived through the application of defined spatial criteria c.have boundaries of clearly visible, self-evident physical or cultural change d.have meaning only in physical geography, which deals with perceivable objects 5. A perceptual region’s boundaries are a.determined by a set of uniform physical or cultural characteristics b.drawn around the functions that occur between a particular place and the c.surrounding area d. fuzzy because they allow for individual interpretation e.designated by the inclusion of a particular cultural characteristic

6. All of the following are formal regions except: a.a city and its surrounding region b.a region where nearly everyone spoke French c.a region where farming practices were the same d.a region of similar climate 7. Perceptual culture regions are: a.sharply defined boundaries b.different in exact definition from person to person c.defined by using at least three criteria d.found only on islands