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.