Introduction to Geography

Geography

Definition of Geography

• Study of the Earth's physical features, human populations, and the ways in which people interact with the environment.

Branches of Geography

• Physical Geography: focuses on the natural environment, including landforms, climate, and ecosystems.
• Human Geography: examines the social, cultural, and economic aspects of human populations and their interactions with the environment.

Key Concepts in Geography

• Latitude: measures distance north or south of the equator, ranging from 0° to 90°.
• Longitude: measures distance east or west of the prime meridian, ranging from 0° to 180°.
• Cartography: the study and practice of making maps.
• GIS (Geographic Information System): a computer-based tool for capturing, storing, and analyzing geographically referenced data.

Types of Maps

• Topographic Maps: show the relief and features of the Earth's surface.
• Political Maps: display national and state boundaries, capitals, and major cities.
• Thematic Maps: illustrate specific data or themes, such as climate, population, or economic activity.

Earth's Features

• Continents: 7 large landmasses, including Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America.
• Oceans: 5 large bodies of saltwater, including the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic, and Southern Oceans.
• Mountains: major ranges include the Himalayas, Andes, Rocky Mountains, and Alps.
• Rivers: longest rivers include the Nile, Amazon, Yangtze, and Mississippi.

Geography

Definition and Branches

• Geography is the study of the Earth's physical features, human populations, and the ways in which people interact with the environment.
• Divided into two main branches: Physical Geography and Human Geography.

Physical Geography

• Focuses on the natural environment, including landforms, climate, and ecosystems.

Human Geography

• Examines the social, cultural, and economic aspects of human populations and their interactions with the environment.

Key Concepts

Location and Mapping

• Latitude measures distance north or south of the equator, ranging from 0° to 90°.
• Longitude measures distance east or west of the prime meridian, ranging from 0° to 180°.
• Cartography is the study and practice of making maps.
• GIS (Geographic Information System) is a computer-based tool for capturing, storing, and analyzing geographically referenced data.

Types of Maps

• Topographic Maps: show the relief and features of the Earth's surface.
• Political Maps: display national and state boundaries, capitals, and major cities.
• Thematic Maps: illustrate specific data or themes, such as climate, population, or economic activity.

Earth's Features

• Continents: 7 large landmasses, including Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America.
• Oceans: 5 large bodies of saltwater, including the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic, and Southern Oceans.
• Mountains: major ranges include the Himalayas, Andes, Rocky Mountains, and Alps.
• Rivers: longest rivers include the Nile, Amazon, Yangtze, and Mississippi.

Learn about the definition and branches of geography, including physical and human geography, and key concepts like latitude.