What is Geography?
Geography Geography is the study of the distribution and interaction of physical and human features on the earth Geographers use lots of tools to study the earth
Maps
Photographs
Five Themes of Geography A tool used by geographers that describe patterns and connections in the use of space There are 5 main themes
Theme 1- Location There are 2 types Absolute Location- exact place on earth where a geographic feature is found Relative Location- describes a place in comparison to other places around it
Other Themes Theme 2- Place (includes all physical and cultural features of a location) Theme 3- Region (an area of the earth with similar characteristics) Theme 4- Human- Environment Interaction (The relationship b/w humans and the environment) Theme 5- Movement
There are 3 main types of Maps
Topographic Map Topographic- shows natural and man-made features on earth
Thematic Map Thematic- shows information
Navigation Map Navigation- maps air and sea navigators use
Map Skills Why are all map projections distorted? The earth is round, and maps are flat, so the earth’s curves cannot be accurately shown on a map Map Projections Mercator- used for ship navigation Polar (Azimuthal)- used for air travel Robinson- used in classrooms
Mercator Map
Polar (Azimuthal) Map
Robinson Map
Map Directions Cardinal directions- north, south, east, and west Intermediate directions- southeast, southwest, northeast, northwest
Hemispheres The world is divided into hemispheres by latitude and longitude lines The Equator divides north and south, while the Prime Meridian divides east and west
Reading Maps There are 8 key elements that you need to know when reading a map
Title Explains the subject of the map
Compass Rose Shows orientation
Labels Words or phrases that explain map features
Legend Lists and explains the symbols and use of color on a map
Latitude Lines Run horizontal from the equator out on both sides of the globe (mark north and south positions)
Longitude Lines Run vertical from the prime meridian out on both sides of the globe (mark east and west positions)
Scale Ruler-like line that shows the lengths of earth distance units on the map
Grid System Intersecting Parallels and Meridians used to locate points on a map