Introduction to Geography

 Geography – the study of the Earth  Two basic questions: 1. Where are things located? 2. Why are they there?

Introduction to Geography  Location a. Latitude – lines that run east and west around the earth. b. Parallels – latitude lines are sometimes known as because they run parallel to each other c. Equator - 0° d. North and South poles are 90° e. Each degree of latitude is equal to 69 miles.

Introduction to Geography  Location Continued a. Longitude – the location lines that run around the earth north and south. b. Meridians – another name for the longitude lines. c. Prime Meridian - 0° runs through Greenwich, England. Opposite side of the earth would be 180°

Introduction to Geography  Regions Regions are used to make comparisons. Regions have unifying characteristics such as climate, population, or history.

Introduction to Geography  Globes and Maps Globe – The best way to present a map of the Earth. A round map like to Earth itself. Scale – The difference between the actual and the model. Distortion – By changing the shape of the Earth map, you create distortion between the real Earth and the map.

Introduction to Geography  Globes and Maps Cont. Projections – The act of putting the globe onto a flat map. Examples: Mercator (1 st ) Interrupted Equal-Area Peters Robinson (new)

Introduction to Geography  The Parts of the Map Compass Rose – A model of a compass on the map that show the cardinal directions. Cardinal Directions – North, South, East, and West Key or Legend – The place on the map where certain symbols will be explained.

Introduction to Geography Page 41 in the book…Review and Activities Latitude and Longitude