5 Themes of Geography

Map Title

A descriptive heading that tells the subject or theme of a map

Compass rose

A symbol on a map that shows the cardinal directions (north, south, east, west)

Map Key

Also known as a Legend; explains the symbols and colors used on a map

map scale

Tool that shows the relationship between distance on the map and actual distance on the ground.

Longitude Lines

Lines that run vertically and measure east and west of the Prime Meridian.

Latitude Lines

Imaginary lines that run horizontally around the Earth, measuring distance north or south of the Equator.

5 Themes of Geography

Location, Place, Human-Environment Interaction, Movement, and Region.

Location

Theme of geography that answers the question “Where is it” using absolute or relative location

Place

Theme of Geography that describes the physical and human characteristics of a location

Region

Theme of geography that categorizes areas based on common characteristics

Movement

Theme of geography that examines how, why and what affect people, goods, and ideas travel from one location to another.

Human-Environment Interaction

Theme of geography that studies how people depend on, adapt to and modify the environment.

Equator

An imaginary line that divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres located at 0 degrees latitude.

Prime Meridian 

An imaginary line that divides the Earth into the Eastern and Western Hemisphere located at 0 degrees longitude.

Cardinal Directions

North, South, East, and West.

Intermediate Directions

Directions that lie between the cardinal directions, including northeast, southeast, southwest, and northwest.

Absolute Location

The exact position of a place on the Earth's surface, typically expressed in coordinates of latitude and longitude.

Relative Location

The position of a place in relation to other locations, often described using landmarks or directions.

Physical Characteristics 

Features of the natural environment such as landforms, climate, plants, and animals that describe a location.

Human Characteristics

Features of a location that are shaped by human activity, including culture, population, architecture, and traditions.

Push Factor

A social, political, or economic reason that drives people to leave their home country or region.

Pull Factor

A reason that draws people to move to a new location, often related to better opportunities, safety, or resources.

Depend

How people rely on the natural resources provided by the environment

Adapt

The ability of individuals or groups to change to their environment

Modify

To alter the environment to better suit human needs