Copy of Rubenstein Lecture Chapter 1.ppt

Chapter 1: Basic Concepts of Geography

Key Issues

  • Location Description: How do geographers describe where things are?

  • Uniqueness: Why is each point on Earth unique?

  • Similarity: Why are different places similar?

  • Sustainability: Why are some human actions not sustainable?

Learning Outcomes

Map Understanding

  • 1.1.1: Differences between early and contemporary maps.

  • 1.1.2: Importance of map scale and projections in mapmaking.

  • 1.1.3: Usage of latitude and longitude to locate points on Earth.

  • 1.1.4: Contemporary tools including remote sensing, GPS, and GIS.

Geographic Characteristics

  • 1.2.1: Characteristics of places: toponym, site, and situation.

  • 1.2.2: Types of regions.

  • 1.2.3: Definitions of culture in geography.

  • 1.3.1: Economic and cultural changes at global and local scales.

  • 1.3.2: Properties of distribution across space.

Cultural Identity

  • 1.3.3: Geographic approaches to cultural identity including gender, ethnicity, and sexuality.

  • 1.3.4: Characteristics diffusion across space over time.

  • 1.3.5: Connection of places through networks and impacts of inequality.

Sustainability Principles

  • 1.4.1: Three pillars of sustainability.

  • 1.4.2: Three abiotic physical systems.

  • 1.4.3: Interaction between biosphere and abiotic systems.

  • 1.4.4: Comparison of ecosystems in the Netherlands and southern Louisiana.

Describing Locations

  • Geography studies the distribution of people and activities on Earth.

  • Key questions:

    • Where are people and activities found?

    • Why are they located there?

Maps and Cartography

  • Definition: A map is a two-dimensional model of Earth’s surface.

  • Cartography: Science of mapmaking with two purposes:

    • Reference tool for absolute/relative location.

    • Communication tool for the distribution of human/physical features.

History of Maps

  • Early Maps: Used primarily for navigation; first world map by Eratosthenes.

  • Ptolemy's Contributions: Improved mapping techniques in antiquity, significant advancements by Chinese and Islamic scholars during the Middle Ages.

  • Revival: Cartography evolved during the Age of Exploration.

Contemporary Mapping Techniques

  • Transition from simple reference tools to sophisticated communication tools.

Map Scale

  • Scale Importance: Determines detail level and area coverage.

  • Types of Map Scales:

    • Ratio/Fraction: Ex. 1:24,000

    • Written Scale: Ex. 1 inch = 1 mile

    • Graphic Scale: A bar line to measure distance.

Map Projections

  • Definition: Method for transferring Earth's surface locations to flat maps, causing distortions:

    • Shape, distance, relative size, direction distortions.

  • Common Projections:

    • Mercator, Goode Homolosine, Robinson.

Geographic Grid

  • System: Meridians (longitude) and parallels (latitude) create a grid.

  • Meridians: Numbered from 0º at the Prime Meridian to 180º.

  • Parallels: Numbered from 0º at the Equator to 90º north/south.

  • Example: Denver's coordinates are 40º N, 105º W.

Time Zones

  • Earth’s 360º divided into 24 time zones; each zone represents 15º of longitude.

  • GMT: Master reference time at 0º longitude (Prime Meridian).

  • International Date Line: Located at 180º longitude, affecting time adjustments.

Contemporary Geographic Tools

Remote Sensing

  • Involves data acquisition from satellites or long-distance methods to create Earth maps.

GPS (Global Positioning System)

  • Determines precise locations on Earth using satellites and receivers.

  • Applications include navigation and location services.

GIS (Geographic Information System)

  • Captures, stores, analyzes, and displays geographic data in layers for comparative analysis.

Uniqueness of Places

  • Place: A specific point on Earth with distinguishing characteristics.

  • Location Identifiers:

    • Toponym: Name of a place.

    • Site: Physical characteristics (climate, water, vegetation).

    • Situation: Location relative to other places.

Regions in Geography

  • Definition: Area defined by distinctive characteristics.

  • Types of Regions:

    • Formal Regions: Share common characteristics (e.g., climate, language).

    • Functional Regions: Organized around a node (e.g., newspaper circulation).

    • Vernacular Regions: Perceived cultural identity (e.g., The American South).

Similarities Among Places

  • Scale: Examines local versus global patterns.

  • Globalization: Processes making economical and cultural practices worldwide.

Environmental and Cultural Sustainability

  • Sustainability Issues: Misuse of resources, unsustainable practices.

  • Three Pillars of Sustainability:

    • Environment: Conservation over depletion.

    • Economy: Prices reflecting environmental costs.

    • Society: Cultural modifications towards sustainable practices.

Human-Environment Interactions

  • Human actions impact abiotic systems, leading to environmental degradation and resource scarcity.

  • Examples include pollution and ecosystem modifications in places like the Netherlands and Florida.

Summary of Geography's Focus

  • Geography emphasizes mapping and spatial science, recognizing uniqueness and diffusion of characteristics, and addressing sustainability issues.