Chapter 1Essentials of Geography

Elemental Geosystems 5e

Robert W. ChristophersonCharles E. Thomsen

Essentials of GeographyThe Science of GeographyEarth Systems ConceptsLocation and Time on EarthMaps, Scales, and ProjectionsRemote Sensing and GIS

The Science of GeographyGeography – from geo “Earth” and graphein “to write”Geography is

a method, not a body of knowledgeholisticeclectic

Geographers use spatial analysisGeographers use Earth systems science

Geography isThe science that studies the relationships among

natural systems, geographic areas, society, cultural activities, and the interdependence of all of these over space.

Physical Geography isThe spatial analysis of all the physical elements and processes that make up the environment.

The Science of GeographyGeographic AnalysisThe Geographic Continuum

Figure 1.2

Scientific Method

Figure FS 1.1.1

Earth Systems ConceptsSystems Theory

Open systemClosed systemSystem feedbackSystem equilibriumMount Pinatubo–global system impactSystems in Elemental GeosystemsModels of systems

Figure 1.3

Systems

Figure 1.4

Meltponds as Positive Feedback

Figure HLC 1.1.1

Mount Pinatubo

Figure 1.5

Earth’s Four Spheres

Figure 1.7

Earth’s Dimensions

Figure 1.8

Measuring Earth in 247 B.C.

Figure 1.9

Location and Time on EarthLatitude

Latitudinal geographic zonesLongitudeGreat CirclesPrime Meridian and Standard Time

International Date LineCoordinated Universal TimeDaylight saving time

Latitude

Figure 1.10

Latitudinal Geographic Zones

Figure 1.12

Longitude

Figure 1.12

Great Circles and Small Circles

Figure 1.13

Prime Meridian and Standard Time

Figure 1.15

Maps, Scales, and ProjectionsMap Scales Projections

Properties of projectionsThe nature and classes of projections

Figure 1.19

Classes of Map Projections

Remote Sensing and GISRemote Sensing

Active remote sensingPassive remote sensing

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Active and Passive Remote Sensing

Figure 1.22

Remote Sensing

Figure 1.23 Figure 1.24

RADARSAT-1 GOES-12

GIS System Model

Figure 1.26

End of Chapter 1

Elemental Geosystems 5e

Robert W. ChristophersonCharles E. Thomsen