How Geographers See the World

Chapter 1

Globes and Mapsglobe – a scale model of the earth. Map – a symbolic representation of all or

part of the planet. Cartographer – mapmakerGreat circle route – the shortest distance

between any two places

ProjectionsPlanar Projection – most accurate at its

center. Often used for maps of the poles.Cylindrical Projection – projecting the globe

onto a cylinder. Most accurate near the Equator. Shapes and distances are distorted near the poles.

Conic Projection – comes from placing a cone over part of a globe. Best sutied for showing limited east-west areas that are not too far from the equator.

Common Map ProjectionsWinkel Tripel Projection Goode’s Interrupted Equal-Area ProjectionRobinson ProjectionMercator Projection

Determining LocationLocation – tool for answering the question

where?Grid system – lines on globes and maps

that provide information that can help you locate places. Lines cross each other forming a grid.

Hemisphere – one of the halves into which the Earth is divided.

LatitudeLatitude – lines which circle the earth

parallel to the Equator and measure the distance north or south of the equator in degrees

Equator – 0 degrees latitude

LongitudeLongitude – lines which circle the earth

from Pole to Pole. These lines measure distance east or west of the Prime Meridian.

Prime Meridian – 0 degrees longitude.

Global GridAbsolute Location – the latitude and

longitude that cross exactly at that place

Northern and Southern HemispheresNorthern Hemisphere – everything north of

the equatorSouthern Hemisphere – everything south of

the equator

Eastern and Western HemispheresEastern Hemisphere – everything east of

the Prime Meridian for 180 degrees, or half way around the earth

Western Hemisphere – everything west of the Prime Meridian for 180 degrees

Reading a MapTitle – tells you what kind of information

the map is showingKey – lists and explains the symbols, colors,

and lines used on the map. Sometimes called the legend.

Scale Bar – shows the relationship between map measurements and actual distances on the Earth.

Compass Rose – indicates directions

Cardinal directions – north, south, east and west

Intermediate directions – northeast, northwest, southeast and southwest

Cities – represented by a dotCapitals – often represented by a star

within a circleBoundary Lines – highlight the borders

between different countries and states

Using ScaleScale – a consistent proportional

relationship between the measurements shown on the map and measurement of the Earth’s surface.

Small – Scale maps – can show a large area but little detail

Large – Scale maps – can show a small areas with a great amount of detail

Absolute and Relative LocationRelative location – location of one place in

relation to another.

Physical MapsPhysical Maps – show the location and

shape of the earth’s physical featuresTopography – shape of the earth

Political MapsPolitical map – shows the boundaries and

location of political units such as countries, states, countries, cities and towns.

Many features on a political map are human made, or determined by humans rather than by nature.

Thematic MapsThematic Maps – maps that emphasize a

single idea or a particular kind of informationExamples: climate, vegetation , population,

economic activities. Qualitative Maps: use colors, symbols, lines of

dots to show information related to a specific idea. Often used to depict historical info.

Flow – Line Maps – Maps that illustrate of something, such as people, animals, goods, hurricanes, etc.

Geographic Information SystemsMost modern cartographers use software

programs called GIS to quickly and easily produce maps and change them.

2. The Geographer’s Craft

The Elements of GeographyGeographers study the location of people

and places on Earth’s surface and the patterns in which they are arranged.

The World in Spatial TermsSpatial relationships – links people and

places have to one another because of their location

Site – specific location of a place, including it’s physical setting.

Situation – refers to the geographic position of a place in relation to other places and its connections to other regions.

Places and RegionsPlace – particular space with physical and

human meaning. Region – areas with similar characteristicsFormal Region – defined by a common

characteristic, such as a product produced there. Ex. Corn Belt

Functional Region – a central place and the surrounding area linked to it.

Perceptual Region – defined by popular feelings and images rather than by objective data. Ex. Heartland

Physical Systems and Human SystemsPhysical Geography – focuses on the study

of earth’s physical features. Human Geography – study of human

activities and their relationship to the cultural and physical environment

Ecosystem – a community of plants and animals that depend upon one another and their surroundings for survival

Movement – a recurring theme in geography tracking the movement of people, goods and ideas.

Environment and SocietyHuman Environment Interaction – study of

the relationship between people and their physical environment.

Geographers examine the ways people use their environment, how and why they change it, and what consequences result form these changes.

Research MethodsDirect Observation – observing the earth to

study the patterns of human activities that take place on its surface.

Mapping – show location, features, patterns and relationships of people, place and things.

Interviewing – choosing a paritcular group of people for study, asking questions.

Analyzing Statistics – some information geographers use is numerical and must be analyzed to find patterns and trends.

Using Technology – geographers often use scientific instruments in their work, including GIS.

Geography and Other SubjectsGeography is related to other subject areas

such as history and economics.

Past Environments and PoliticsGeographers use historical perspectives to

understand what places could have looked like in the past.

Geographers study political patterns to see how people in different places are governed.

Society and CultureGeographers seek to understand cultures

around the world. They study the relationships between

physical environment and social structures.

EconomiesGeographers study economics to

understand how the locations of resources affect the ways people make, transport and use goods.

Geographers are also interested in the interdependent of people's economic activities around the world.