1. Chapter 1 Essentials of Geography
Robert W. Christopherson
Charlie Thomsen

2. Essentials of Geography
The Science of Geography  
Earth Systems Concepts  
Location and Time on Earth  
Maps, Scales, and Projections  
Remote Sensing and GIS  

3. The Science of Geography
Geography – from geo “Earth” and graphein “to write” 
Geography is
a method, not a body of knowledge
holistic
eclectic
Geographers use spatial analysis
Geographers use Earth systems science

4. Geography Is The science that studies the relationships among
natural systems
geographic areas
society
cultural activities
and the interdependence of all of these over space

5. Physical Geography Is
The spatial analysis of all the physical elements and processes that make up the environment

6. Figure 1.2

7. Scientific Method
Figure FS 1.1.1

8. Earth Systems Concepts
Systems theory  
Open systems
Closed systems
System feedback
System equilibrium

9. Figure 1.3

10. Systems
Figure 1.4

11. Systems in Geosystems
Figure 1.7

12. Earth’s Four Spheres
Figure 1.8

13. Positive Feedback in High-Latitude Meltponds
Figure HLC 1.1.1

14. Earth’s Dimensions
Figure 1.9

15. Measuring Earth in 247 B.C.
Figure 1.10

16. Location and Time on Earth
Latitude
Longitude
Great circles
Prime Meridian and standard time

17. Latitude
Figure 1.11

18. Latitudinal Geographic Zones
Figure 1.12

19. Longitude
Figure 1.13

20. Great Circles and Small Circles
Figure 1.14

21. Prime Meridian and Standard Time
Figure 1.17

22. Maps, Scales, and Projections
Map – a generalized view of an area, as seen from above and reduced in size
Scale – ratio of map units to ground units
Projection – process of transforming spherical Earth to flat map

23. Classes of Map Projections
Figure 1.21

24. Remote Sensing
Active remote sensing
Passive remote sensing

25. Active and Passive Remote Sensing
Figure 1.25

26. Remote Sensing
RADARSAT-1
GOES-12
Figure 1.26
Figure 1.27

27. Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
GIS systems combine spatial and attribute data 
Maps can contain multiple data layers:
Physical features
Cultural features
Layers can be added to create composite overlay

28. GIS System Model
Figure 1.29

29. Geosystems 7e An Introduction to Physical Geography
End of Chapter 1
Geosystems 7e
An Introduction to Physical Geography