1. Five Themes of Geography

2. What is Geography?  Greek Word describing the earth  It studies the distribution and interaction of physical and human features on earth  Geographers use maps to study the use of space on earth  Tools like a legend (map key that lists and explains symbols and colors), a compass rose (star-like symbol showing direction – north (N), south (S), west (W), and east (E)) or scale (shows the ratio between a unit of length on the map and a unit of distance)

3. Location  Two Types  Absolute – exact place something is found  Uses imaginary lines (hemisphere, equator, prime meridian)  Relative – place in relation of something based on other objects around it

4. Place  Physical features and cultural landscape of a location  Physical differences include climate, landforms, and vegetation  Products of human interaction with the environment such as building houses and roads

5. Region  An area of the earth’s surface that is defined by shared characteristics  Formal Region – limited number of related characteristics (continental area – USA, Africa)  Functional Region – organized by interactions and connections between places (city and suburbs – San Jose and Fremont)  Perceptual Region – people perceive the characteristics of a region in the same way

6. Human – Environment Interaction  People use what the environment offers, as well as change the environment to meet their needs

7. Movement  Three Types  Linear – How far across the earth an idea, person or product travels  Time – How long it takes for an idea, person, or product to travel  Psychological – The way people view distances