What is Geography?

Geography Geography is the study of the distribution

and interaction of physical and human features on the earth

Geographers use lots of tools to study the earth

Maps

Photographs

Five Themes of Geography A tool used by geographers that describe

patterns and connections in the use of space

There are 5 main themes

Theme 1- Location There are 2 types

Absolute Location- exact place on earth where a geographic feature is found

Relative Location- describes a place in comparison to other places around it

Other Themes Theme 2- Place (includes all physical and

cultural features of a location) Theme 3- Region (an area of the earth with

similar characteristics) Theme 4- Human- Environment Interaction

(The relationship b/w humans and the environment)

Theme 5- Movement

There are 3 main types of Maps

Topographic Map Topographic-

shows natural and man-made features on earth

Thematic Map Thematic-

shows information

Navigation Map

Navigation- maps air and sea navigators use

Map Skills Why are all map projections distorted?

The earth is round, and maps are flat, so the earth’s curves cannot be accurately shown on a map

Map Projections Mercator- used for ship navigation Polar (Azimuthal)- used for air travel Robinson- used in classrooms

Mercator Map

Polar (Azimuthal) Map

Robinson Map

Map Directions Cardinal directions- north, south, east, and

west Intermediate directions- southeast,

southwest, northeast, northwest

Hemispheres The world is divided

into hemispheres by latitude and longitude lines

The Equator divides north and south, while the Prime Meridian divides east and west

Reading MapsThere are 8 key elements that you need to know when reading a map

Title Explains the subject of

the map

Compass Rose Shows orientation

Labels Words or phrases that

explain map features

Legend Lists and explains the

symbols and use of color on a map

Latitude Lines Run horizontal from

the equator out on both sides of the globe (mark north and south positions)

Longitude Lines Run vertical from the

prime meridian out on both sides of the globe (mark east and west positions)

Scale Ruler-like line that

shows the lengths of earth distance units on the map

Grid System

Intersecting Parallels and Meridians used to locate points on a map