1. Objective 1.1: Explain the importance of Geography as a Field of Study
September 8, 2017
Objective 1.1: Explain the importance of Geography as a Field of Study

2. The Geographic Perspective
The word “Geography” comes from the Greek words “Geo” (Earth) and “graph” (to describe or write about).
Geography means to write or describe the Earth.
Geography is a science, much like Geology or Chemistry, but what makes Geography unique is its perspective.

3. The Spatial Perspective
Geography looks at the world from a spatial perspective.
Spatial: the way phenomena are spaced out or positioned on Earth
This can involve people, resources, cultural elements, or any phenomena
Example: The English Language

4. Geographic Questions Why are things where they are?
How did they become distributed as they are?
What is changing the pattern of distribution?
What are the implications of the spatial distribution for people?

8. Spatial Relationships
Geographic information provides context for understanding spatial relationships
Spatial relationships explain why phenomena are located where they are
Question: Why do Levi’s, H&M, and
Nike have factories in so many
countries?

9. Subfields of Geography
Geography is divided into two major branches:
Physical Geography: the study of non-human activities including weather
and climate, ecosystems, topography, etc.
Human Geography: the study of the spatial characteristics of humans and
human activities; answers questions that can be mapped

10. The History of Geography
The first maps were probably scratched into soil with sticks
Maps found in early river valleys such as the Huang He, Tigris-Euphrates, and the Nile show that our ancestors studied Geography
Eratosthenes, a Greek, is considered the father of Geography

11. Why is it important to study Geography?

12. Questions In your notes, answer the following questions:
Why is it important to study Geography?
Why are Geographers interested in a spatial perspective?