Journey Through Time

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What is geography?

Geography is the study of the physical features of the earth and of how human activity affects and is affected by the environment.

What are some examples of physical features that geographers study?

Some examples of physical features that geographers study are mountain ranges, state and national boundary lines, and natural landmarks like mountains and lakes.

What is a map?

A map is a two-dimensional drawing of the earth's surface that can show natural landmarks, like mountains and lakes, and also show man-made boundaries, like state lines or roads and trails.

What is GPS?

GPS stands for global positioning system and uses satellites to locate latitude and longitude and provide directions. Signup and view all the answers

What is GIS?

GIS stands for geographic information system and is a software database that collects data from GPS and other sources and allows geographers to store and manipulate data. Signup and view all the answers

What is geography and why is it considered both a natural and social science?

Geography is the study of the earth and how people interact with the earth. It is considered both a natural and social science because geographers study both the physical aspects of the earth (natural landmarks, physical features) and social phenomena like cities and human populations. Signup and view all the answers

What is a map and what information can it provide?

A map is a two-dimensional drawing of the earth's surface. It can provide information about natural landmarks (mountains, lakes) as well as man-made boundaries (state lines, roads, and trails). Signup and view all the answers

What is GPS and how does it work?

GPS stands for Global Positioning System. It uses satellites to calculate the location of objects by measuring the frequency of radio signals. It helps people track their location and provides directions. Signup and view all the answers

What is GIS and how does it differ from GPS?

GIS stands for Geographic Information System. It is a software database that collects data from GPS and other sources, allowing geographers to store and manipulate data. GIS provides a more complete view of information compared to maps or GPS. Signup and view all the answers

How can GIS be used to predict the effects of a chemical spill?

GIS can be used to enter information about rivers and population concentrations. By analyzing this data, geographers can predict who will be most affected by a chemical spill and guess where the chemicals will go based on the geography of the area. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Mercator projection and how does it distort the representation of landmasses?

The Mercator projection is a map projection that presents north as up and south as down in all locations. It accurately represents the shape of landmasses near the equator, but it exaggerates the size of landmasses that are far away from the equator, making them appear larger than they actually are. Signup and view all the answers

What is GPS and how did it originate?

GPS stands for Global Positioning System. It originated from attempts to track the USSR's Sputnik satellite based on shifts in its radio signal. By calculating the location of the satellite using the Doppler Effect, scientists developed a system that could accurately determine positions on Earth. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of GIS and how does it connect with GPS?

GIS stands for Geographical Information System. It connects the information from GPS with other types of data. It allows people to communicate and share information that has a geographic component, whether it's in the form of images or scientific data. Signup and view all the answers

What is the use of a theodolite in geography and who commonly uses it?

A theodolite is a basic geography tool used for surveying. It collects high-precision measurements in civil engineering and is commonly used by road crews. Signup and view all the answers

What is remote sensing and how is it used in various fields?

Remote sensing is the use of aerial or satellite sensors to detect and image large areas. It is used by firefighters, urban planners, farmers, and even anthropologists studying ancient cities and artifacts. Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the tools used by geographers to study geography?

Some of the tools used by geographers to study geography are maps, GPS, GIS, theodolites, remote sensors, surveys, and censuses. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of geography?

Geography is the systematic study of the physical aspects of the earth and the interaction between humans and the physical environment. Signup and view all the answers

How does geography cross over into the social realm?

Geography crosses over into the social realm by mapping human populations and activities and studying why certain cultures developed in response to their environment. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of studying the distribution of natural resources, cities, and factories in geography?

Studying the distribution of natural resources, cities, and factories in geography helps to illuminate the interaction between humans and the physical environment. Signup and view all the answers

What types of tools can Melissa use for her summer project in geography?

Melissa can use tools such as maps, GPS, and GIS for her summer project in geography. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of geography?

Geography is the systematic study of the physical aspects of the earth and how human activity affects and is affected by the environment. Signup and view all the answers

What are some tools used by geographers to study geography?

Some tools used by geographers to study geography include maps, GPS, GIS, theodolites, and remote sensors. Signup and view all the answers

How does geography cross over into the social realm?

Geography crosses over into the social realm by mapping human populations and activities, studying the distribution of natural resources, cities, and factories, and examining how human cultures develop in response to their environment. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of surveys and censuses in geography?

Surveys and censuses provide social information for geographers to study. Signup and view all the answers

How can geography illuminate the interaction between humans and the physical environment?

Geography can illuminate the interaction between humans and the physical environment by studying how human activity affects and is affected by the environment. Signup and view all the answers