Chapter 1 Essentials of Geography

Chapter 1Essentials of

Geography

Robert W. ChristophersonCharlie Thomsen

The Science of Geography  

Earth Systems Concepts  

Location and Time on Earth  

Maps, Scales, and Projections  

Remote Sensing and GIS  

Essentials 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

The Science of Geography

The science that studies the relationships among

natural systems

geographic areas

society

cultural activities

and the interdependence of all of these over space

Geography Is

The spatial analysis of all the physical elements and processes that make up the environment

Physical Geography Is

Figure 1.2

Scientific Method

Figure FS 1.1.1

Systems theory  

Open systems

Closed systems

System feedback

System equilibrium

Earth Systems Concepts

Figure 1.3

Systems

Figure 1.4

Systems in Geosystems

Figure 1.7

Earth’s Four Spheres

Figure 1.8

Positive Feedback in High-Latitude Meltponds

Figure HLC 1.1.1

Earth’s Dimensions

Figure 1.9

Measuring Earth in 247 B.C.

Figure 1.10

Latitude

Longitude

Great circles

Prime Meridian and standard time

Location and Time on Earth  

Latitude

Figure 1.11

Latitudinal Geographic Zones

Figure 1.12

Longitude

Figure 1.13

Great Circles and Small Circles

Figure 1.14

Prime Meridian and Standard Time  

Figure 1.17

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

Maps, Scales, and Projections  

Figure 1.21

Classes of Map Projections

Active remote sensing

Passive remote sensing

Remote Sensing

Active and Passive Remote Sensing

Figure 1.25

Remote Sensing

Figure 1.26 Figure 1.27

RADARSAT-1 GOES-12

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

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) 

GIS System Model

Figure 1.29

Robert W. ChristophersonCharlie Thomsen

Geosystems 7eAn Introduction to Physical Geography

End of Chapter 1