The 6 Elements of Geography

6 Elements Many geographers use the six essential elements to organize their study. The World in Spatial Terms Uses of Geography Places and Regions Environment & Society Physical Systems (Ch 2-3) Human Systems (Ch 4)

The World in Spatial Terms Geographers look at where things are on the Earth’s surface. (SITE) Importance obvious in settlement patterns over time

The World in Spatial Terms It tells us where this place is in relation to other places? Or, its SITUATION

The World in Spatial Terms “Where are we?” Absolute Location: Latitude and longitude (global location) Sugar Land is located at 29°N, 96°W Street address (local location)

The World in Spatial Terms Relative Location: Described by landmarks, time, distance from one place to another, etc. Sugar Land is southwest of Houston College Station is 1 hr 45 min away Israel is next to Lebanon & Jordan

Place A place has physical and human characteristics that make it special. Gives you a “sense of place” Palo Duro Canyon

“What kind of place is it?” Physical Characteristics: Mountains, rivers, wildlife, beaches, etc. Describe Texas’ physical characteristics

PLACE Human/Cultural Characteristics: Buildings, roads, clothing, food, people, language, religion, etc Describe New York’s cultural characterisics People then develop an image of the place based on experience What do you imagine when you think of China? Saudi Arabia?

REGION definition = area of earth’s surface with similar characteristics; how places are linked Geographers categorize regions in 3 ways: A. formal regions B. functional regions C. perceptual/vernacular regions

REGION Formal (uniform) regions: Defined by govn’t. (USA, Brazil, Texas) Or physical features (Rockies, Great Lake States) Or common characteristic (Corn Belt, Rust Belt)

REGION Functional regions: organized around a set of interactions and connection between places (usually characterized by a hub, or central place, and links to the central place) a newspaper’s distribution route

REGION Vernacular/Perceptual regions: people perceive the characteristics of the region in the same way (loosely defined) The Middle East (what countries are actually included? Is it linked b/c of oil? Islam?) Bible Belt – southeastern states in U.S. = strict Protestants

Environment and Society One of the most impt topics is how ppl interact with the environment. Human activities can have positive and negative affects on the environment. Pollution in Beijing

Environment and Society Humans adapt to env.: Name 3 ways humans Δ for the environment Humans modify env.: Name 3 ways humans Δ the environment Humans depend on env.: Name 3 ways humans need the environment

Environment and Society Resources are very impt. to study in relation to people. Population , demands on resources . Study the locations, quality, and quantity & and the effect of humans. Oil Fields in West Texas

What are these pictures showing?

Humans Adapt

Place- Human

Global Positioning System

Formal Region

Humans Modify

Place- Human

Geographic Information System

Formal Region

Place- Physical

Functional Region

Perceptual Region

Remote Sensing via Satellites

Humans Modify

Functional Region US Airways Routes

Place- Physical

Perceptual Region Dixie Land