1. Using Geography
Unit Goal: To use geography effectively we must master the tools for understanding how it is studied.

2. Tools of Geography Geography is more than memorizing places.
There are tools we use to learn as much as we can from geography.
Maps
Atlases
Charts
Graphs

3. Maps
What are “maps”?
A representation of all, or part, of the earth’s surface.
But what ARE they REALLY?

4. MAPS

5. Maps are not Scary
Maps are your friend

6. Maps
Maps are very basic – understanding how basic they are makes it easier to use them.
Every map in the world is made up of one or more of the following things.
Lines
Colors
Shapes or Symbols
Words
Numbers

7. Maps Nothing on a map is accidental.
Maps are designed to convey information.
Every color, line and symbol means something and are there for a reason.
The trick is to know what to look for and what to ignore as you read a map.
What feature on a map helps you do this?
The Key (or Legend)

8. What can we learn from Maps?
Maps tell us basic things:
Location of places
Absolute location (where something is located exactly)
Relative location (what things and places are located near each other)
Information about places, such as:
Population
Climate
Economic information
Information presented on maps must be interpreted.
This is what intimidates people

9. Types of Maps There are three types of maps:
Political
Physical
Special Purpose
Have you heard of these before?
What’s the difference between them?

10. Types of Maps Political Maps
Show the names and borders of nations and states as well as cities and towns.
Why are they called “political”?
The names and locations of cities, towns and the borders of states and nations are all established by governments.

11. Types of Maps
Physical Maps
Show the physical features of the earth.

12. Types of Maps Special Purpose
Show information about a very specific topic.
Road maps are special purpose
Thematic maps are also special purpose –
These show information about one specific theme and are often used for comparing and contrasting.

13. US Geography
The United States is the fourth largest nation in the world in terms of physical size.
Who is larger?
The US has a very diverse geography.
Is this good or bad?
How can a nation’s geography help a nation?
How can it hurt?

14. US Geography
Mountain chains on the eastern and western sides of the nation.
Plains along the Atlantic coast, Gulf coast and in the center of the nation.
Great Plains located between the Central lowland and Rocky Mountains – flat to rolling lands, higher elevation.
Many rivers flowing in most of the nation
Very large coastline – 12,380 miles

15. US Geography Diverse Climate Plentiful resources
Few neighboring countries
How do neighboring countries affect a nation?
Weak nations near the US allowed us to focus on economic development rather than military strength.

16. Charts and Graphs
Charts and Graphs can also be used to study Geography.
What are charts and graphs?
How can they be used in Geography?

17. Charts and Graphs
Charts and graphs are ways of showing data and facts in a way that makes comparisons and analysis easier.
Charts and Graphs show basic information and data
Can they be used to understand complex ideas or problems?