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Geography - Study of the earth
Also focuses on the origins of Earth, as well as the history and background of different human
populations.
Geographers study - physical characteristics of Earth as well as man-made borders and boundaries. They
also study the distribution of life on the planet, such as where certain species of animals can be found
and how different forms of life interact.
Major elements of geography include: - -locations
-regional characteristics
-spatial relations
-natural and man-made forces that change elements of Earth
These elements are also studied from regional, topical, physical, and human perspectives.
Physical Geography - the study of the physical characteristics of Earth: how they relate to each other,
how they were formed, and how they develop. These characteristics include climate, land, and water,
and also how they affect human population in various areas. Different landforms, in combination with
various climates and other conditions, determine the characteristics of various cultures
Cultural Geography - The study of how the various aspects of physical geography affect individual
cultures. Cultural geography also compares various cultures: how their lifestyles and customs are
affected by their geographical location, climate, and other factors, as well as how they interact with
their environment
Divisions of Geographical Study: Topical - The study of a single feature of Earth or one specific human
activity that occurs worldwide
Divisions of Geographical Study: Physical - The various physical features of Earth, how they are created,
the forces that change them, and how they are related to each other and to various human activities
, Divisions of Geographical Study: Regional - Specific characteristics of individual places and regions
Divisions of Geographical Study: Human - how human activity affects the environment. This includes the
study of political, historical, social, and cultural activities
Tools used in geographical study: - include special research methods like mapping, field studies,
statistics, interviews, mathematics, and the use of various scientific instruments
Eratosthenes - Lived in Ancient Greek times and mathematically calculated the circumference of Earth
and the tilt of Earth's axis. He also created the first map of the world
Strabo - wrote a description of the ancient world called Geographica in seventeen volumes
Pteolemy - primarily an astronomer, was an experienced mapmaker. He wrote a treatise entitled
Geography, which was used by Christopher Columbus in his travels
Ways Geographers Analyze Areas of Human Population - In cities, towns, or other areas where many
people have settled, geographers focus on the distribution of populations, neighborhoods, industrial
areas, transportation, and other elements important to the society in question.
Another area of study and discussion is the distribution of towns themselves, from widely spaced rural
towns to large cities that merge into each other to form a megalopolis
Role of a Cartographer - A cartographer is a map maker. When constructing maps, they must take into
account the problem of distortion. Maps must be designed in such a way as to minimize this distortion
and maximize accuracy. Accurately representing Earth's features on a flat surface is achieved through
projection
Projection used in creating world maps: Cylindrical Projection - This is created by wrapping the globe of
Earth in a cylindrical piece of paper, then using a light to project the globe onto the paper. The largest
distortion occurs at the outermost edges
Projection used in creating world maps: Conical Projection - The paper is shaped like a cone and contacts
the globe only at the cone's base. This type of projection is most useful for middle latitudes