Ch. 1: studying Geography Mrs. Wildey’s Pre-AP World Geography

Section 1: What is Geography? Definition: The study of the physical, biological & cultural features of the Earth’s surface.

Geography comes from the two Greek words: “geo” and “graphia” Earth to write about

Subfields of Geography Cartography – map makers Meteorology – weather forecasters

Geographers use perspective & landscape Perspective: The way a person looks at something Landscapes: The scenery of a place, including its physical, human and cultural features

The Two Branches of Geography

Human Geography looks at the distribution & characteristics of the world’s people.

Physical Geography focuses on Earth’s natural environments, which includes landforms, atmosphere, animals, plants, soils, & the processes that affect them.

How do we study Geography? We organize information by regions, or areas that share one or more features that make it different from the surrounding areas. Ex. Cities, states, countries, continents, etc. Regions are defined by their human & physical characteristics.

Formal Region - areas that share one or more features that make it different from the surrounding areas Ex. Sahel, Rocky Mnts, GEORGIA, & Rust Belt

Functional Region – these are made of different places that are linked together & function as a unit. Ex. City transit system, Metro Atlanta, Malls

Perceptual Regions – regions that reflect human feelings & attitudes Perceptual Regions – regions that reflect human feelings & attitudes. Ex. “back home”, the South is sometimes referred to as “Dixie”.

The Six Essential Elements of Geography Chapter 1, Section 1 Pages 2-8

The 6 Essential Elements The World In Spatial Terms Places & Regions Physical Systems Human Systems Environment & Society Uses of Geography

#1 World in Spatial Terms How to analyze the spatial organization of people, places, and environments on Earth's surface.

#1 World in Spatial Terms How to use mental maps to organize information about people, places, and environments. What are mental maps?

Looks at the physical & human characteristics of places. #2 Places & Regions Looks at the physical & human characteristics of places.

#2 Places & Regions How culture and experience influence people's perception of places and regions. BIBLE BELT

The physical processes that shape the patterns of Earth's surface. #3 Physical Systems The physical processes that shape the patterns of Earth's surface.

Why do people live where they do? #4 Human Systems The characteristics, distribution, and migration of human populations on Earth's surface. Why do people live where they do?

Looks at language, religion, music, dance, etc. #4 Human Systems The characteristics, distributions, and complexity of Earth's cultural. Looks at language, religion, music, dance, etc. Where are these cultures located? How do they help make up the Earth’s culture?

#4 Human Systems The patterns and networks of economic interdependence on Earth's surface.

#5 Environment & Society How physical systems affect human systems.

#5 Environment & Society The changes that occur in the meaning, use, distribution, and importance of resources.

How to apply geography to interpret the past. #6 Uses of Geography How to apply geography to interpret the past. “You can’t understand history without understanding geography.” To apply geography to interpret the present and plan for the future.