Introduction to Geography

Definition: Geography is the study of the earth and its physical features.

Location- Where is it? 1.Absolute location: the mathematical location of something a)Latitude: lines going around the earth sideways b) Longitude: lines going around the earth up and down 2. Relative Location: the location of something compared to something else. a)Where is it compared to someplace else? b)Direction and distance

Location- Where is it? Finding the location of place using coordinates is like playing battleship. -Use these coordinates to find the continent we are on: 40 N and 100 W.

Types of Maps There are many different types of maps 1. Political map: shows countries, and cities 2. Physical map: shows landforms, and bodies of water and elevations 3. Historical Map: Shows how things used to be 4. Other: population maps, industry maps, road maps, natural resources. You can map anything!

Map Skills In order to read a map you need to know more than just coordinates. Key: The key shows us specific symbols that are used in the map and what they mean Map scale: The scale is like a ruler shows us how far apart things are in real life and how to measure distances on maps. Compass rose: The compass rose shows us the directions of the map such as North, South, East and West.

Map Skills

Landforms Landforms: physical parts of the planet Different types of landforms include mountains, deserts, rivers, lakes, valleys, volcanoes, bays, islands, peninsulas etc. It is how the earth looks and is shaped.

Continents The earth has seven continents: North America South America Europe Africa Asia Australia Antartica