Chapter 1 Foundations of Geography Elemental Geosystems 4e Robert W. Christopherson Charlie Thomsen

Essentials of Geography The Science of Geography Earth Systems Concepts Location and Time on Earth Maps, Scales, and Projections Remote Sensing and GIS

The Science of Geography Geography – from geo “Earth” and graphein “to write” Geography is a method, not a body of knowledge holistic eclectic Geographers use spatial analysis Geographers use Earth systems science

Geography is The science that studies the relationships among natural systems, geographic areas, society, cultural activities, and the interdependence of all of these over space.

West Nile Virus Predictive Model

Physical Geography is The spatial analysis of all the physical elements and processes that make up the environment.

Figure 1.2

Geographers use the scientific method Figure 1

Earth Systems Concepts Systems Theory Open systems Closed systems System feedback System equilibrium

Figure 1.3

Leaf as a System Figure 1.4

Global Effects of Mount Pinatubo Figure 1.5

Earth’s Four Spheres Atmosphere Hydrosphere Lithosphere Biosphere Figure 17.3

Earth’s dimensions Figure 1.8

Eratosthenes’ Measuring Earth in 247 B.C. Figure 1.9

Location and Time on Earth Latitude Longitude Great circles Prime Meridian and standard time

Latitude Figure 1.10

Longitude Figure 1.12

Latitudinal Geographic Zones

Great Circles and Small Circles Figure 1.13

Prime Meridian and Standard Time Figure 1.14

Maps, Scales, and Projections Map – a generalized view of an area, as seen from above and reduced in size Scale – ratio of map units to ground units Projection – process of transforming spherical Earth to flat map

Figure 1.18 Classes of Projections

Global Positioning System (GPS) Used to map and locate objects on the Earth’s surface One basic input to GIS

Trimble 4800 GPS on Mount Everest

Remote Sensing Active remote sensing Passive remote sensing

Active and Passive Remote Sensing Figure 1.21

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) GIS systems combine spatial and attribute data Maps can contain multiple data layers: Physical features Cultural features Layers can be added to create composite overlay

GIS System Figure 1.23

End of Chapter 1 Elemental Geosystems 4e