Exploring Geography
Section 1
The Elements of Geography
Geography is a greek word meaning “earth description”. Geographers study geography and learn about earth. They Find:
- · The world in spatial terms
- · Places and regions
- · Physical systems
- · Environment and uses of geography
The World In Spacial Terms
Spatial relations are the links that places and people have with one another because of their locations. Location is a reference point.
Absolute Location-
The exact a place is found on the globe. To determine absolute location geographers use:
- · Equator
- · North and South poles
- · Prime Meridian
Absolute location also uses HEMISPHERES and latitude and longitude lines that make a GRID SYSTEM.
Relative Location-
Relative location is how most people locate a place on earth. And, it is relating a place with a place near by or related to it.
Places and Regions
--a place is a particular space with physical and human meaning.
--Geographers often group places into regions, or areas united by specific factors.
--They identify 3 different types of regions: formal, functional, and perceptual.
--A region might have human factors that help define it.
(a formal region is defined by a common characteristic,such as a product produced there.)
(a functional region is a central place and the surrounding liked to it.For example,by a highway system.)
(a perceptual region is defined by popular feelings and images rather than by objective data.For example,the term “heartland” refers to a central area in which traditional values are believed to be predominate.)