September 12, 2017 Objective 1.2: Explain major geographic concepts underlying the geographic perspective

Major Geographic Concepts include: Location Place Scale Space Pattern Nature and Society Networks Flows Regionalization Globalization

Location

Location Absolute Location: the precise spot where something is according to some system, usually using latitude and longitude Relative Location: a description of where something is in relation to other things Relative location can also describe connectivity (how well two locations are tied together by roads or other links) and accessibility (how quickly and easily people in one location can interact with people in another location. Example: Magnolia West High School

Place

Place-What a location is like Human characteristics include culture, cities, and other changes to the environment Physical characteristics include climate, landforms, and vegetation

Site and Situation •Site refers to the internal, physical characteristics of a place that are unlikely to change, such as geological formations, soil, or structures. •Refers to a physical description of a place •This can involve absolute location, and physical characteristics of place •Situation is defined as the location of a place relative to its surroundings and other places •Factors included in an area's situation include the accessibility of the location, the extent of a place's connections with another, and how close an area may be to raw materials if they are not located specifically on the site

Example: Barcelona, Spain Site: •Hill for defense •Reliable water supply for drinking and power •Fertile farmland •Flat land for building •Sheltered by hills to the north •South-facing slope •Natural harbor •Construction material Situation: •Port •Route Centre •Limestone quarries •Close to wealthy NW European markets

Scale

Scale Scale refers to the relationship of a feature’s size on a map to its actual size on earth. It is represented in three ways: —A ratio or fraction —A written scale —A graphic scale Small scale maps show large areas.

Space

Space If place refers to specific location, space refers to a specific bounded or unbounded area. Absolute space has defined boundaries, like a container Relative space is created and defined by human interactions, perceptions, or relations between events. It is defined less by precise boundaries and more by contingency, the idea that the outcome of human interactions and perceptions depends on who and what are involved Example: NAFTA

Pattern

Pattern •Pattern relates to how objects are organized in their space •Patterns are described using geometric shapes

Nature and Society

Nature and Society or Human-Environmental Interaction The dual relationship between humans and the natural world are at the heart of human geography. Human-Environmental Interaction is the connection and exchange between humans and the natural environment. The study of how humans adapt to the environment is known as cultural ecology.

Cultural Ecology Environmental Determinism: the belief that landforms and climate are the most powerful forces shaping human behavior and societal development; used in the 19th and 20th centuries to argue that people in some climates were superior to those of other climates Possibilism: a view that acknowledges limits on the effects of the natural environment and focuses more on the role that human culture plays

Questions Please answer the following questions in your notebook What is the location of your house, in both absolute and relative location? Describe the Site and Situation of Magnolia, TX. Which map would have the smallest scale? Please bring a photo or printed picture to class tomorrow of your favorite place. It can be a place you have been to, or one you hope to visit. It cannot be fictional.