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Chapter 1 Foundations of Geography. Elemental Geosystems 4e. Robert W. Christopherson Charlie Thomsen. Essentials of Geography. The Science of Geography Earth Systems Concepts Location and Time on Earth Maps, Scales, and Projections Remote Sensing and GIS .
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Chapter 1Foundations of Geography Elemental Geosystems 4e Robert W. Christopherson Charlie Thomsen
Essentials of Geography • The Science of Geography • Earth Systems Concepts • Location and Time on Earth • Maps, Scales, and Projections • Remote Sensing and GIS
The Science of Geography • Geography – from geo “Earth” and graphein “to write” • Geography is • a method, not a body of knowledge • holistic • eclectic • Geographers use spatial analysis • Geographers use Earth systems science
Geography is • The science that studies the relationships among • natural systems, • geographic areas, • society, • cultural activities, • and the interdependence of all of these over space.
Physical Geography is • The spatial analysis of all the physical elements and processes that make up the environment.
Earth Systems Concepts • Systems Theory • Open systems • Closed systems • System feedback • System equilibrium
Leaf as a System Figure 1.4
Global Effects of Mount Pinatubo Figure 1.5
Earth’s Four Spheres • Atmosphere • Hydrosphere • Lithosphere • Biosphere Figure 17.3
Earth’s dimensions Figure 1.8
Eratosthenes’ Measuring Earth in 247 B.C. Figure 1.9
Location and Time on Earth • Latitude • Longitude • Great circles • Prime Meridian and standard time
Latitude Figure 1.10
Longitude Figure 1.12
Great Circles and Small Circles Figure 1.13
Prime Meridian and Standard Time Figure 1.14
Maps, Scales, and Projections • Map – a generalized view of an area, as seen from above and reduced in size • Scale – ratio of map units to ground units • Projection – process of transforming spherical Earth to flat map
Classes of Projections Figure 1.18
Global Positioning System (GPS) • Used to map and locate objects on the Earth’s surface • One basic input to GIS
Remote Sensing • Active remote sensing • Passive remote sensing
Active and Passive Remote Sensing Figure 1.21
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) • GIS systems combine spatial and attribute data • Maps can contain multiple data layers: • Physical features • Cultural features • Layers can be added to create composite overlay
GIS System Figure 1.23
End of Chapter 1 Elemental Geosystems 4e