Introduction to Geography

Geography – The study of where people, places and things are located and how they relate to each other.

Five Themes of Geography Location Place Interaction between people/environment Movement Region

Location The position on the Earth’s surface in relation to another place. Absolute Location – Exact spot on earth using latitude and longitude lines. Relative Location – Position of a place in relation to another location.

Latitude – Measures distances north and south of the equator. Longitude – Measures distances east and west of Prime Meridian, (Greenwich, England)

Place Incorporates physical and cultural characteristics. Describes “what it is like there”. Ex. Vail, Colorado is surrounded by snow covered mountains. Ex. Northern Minnesota has an abundance of fresh water lakes and pine trees.

Interaction between people and the environment How people adapt to the environment in places in which they live. Ex. People who live around the Nile River in Egypt have built irrigation ditches in order to farm. Ex. People who move to Minnesota from Texas need to learn how to adapt to our winters.

Movement The movement of people, goods and ideas. The theme of movement helps us understand how we are connected with other regions, cultures etc….

Region Region can be defined by physical, cultural or political characteristics. Ex. Minnesota and Iowa are part of the Midwest Region. Ex. Saudi Arabia is located in the region of the Middle East.