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Exploring Earth's Systems: An Introduction to Geography

Dive into the science of geography with a focus on Earth systems, mapping, remote sensing, and GIS technology. Understand the relationships among natural systems, society, and cultural activities across geographic areas.

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Exploring Earth's Systems: An Introduction to Geography

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  1. Chapter 1Foundations of Geography Elemental Geosystems 4e Robert W. Christopherson Charlie Thomsen

  2. Essentials of Geography • The Science of Geography   • Earth Systems Concepts   • Location and Time on Earth   • Maps, Scales, and Projections   • Remote Sensing and GIS  

  3. 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

  4. 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.

  5. West Nile Virus Predictive Model

  6. Physical Geography is • The spatial analysis of all the physical elements and processes that make up the environment.

  7. Figure 1.2

  8. Geographers use the scientific method Figure 1

  9. Earth Systems Concepts • Systems Theory   • Open systems • Closed systems • System feedback • System equilibrium

  10. Figure 1.3

  11. Leaf as a System Figure 1.4

  12. Global Effects of Mount Pinatubo Figure 1.5

  13. Earth’s Four Spheres • Atmosphere • Hydrosphere • Lithosphere • Biosphere Figure 17.3

  14. Earth’s dimensions Figure 1.8

  15. Eratosthenes’ Measuring Earth in 247 B.C. Figure 1.9

  16. Location and Time on Earth   • Latitude • Longitude • Great circles • Prime Meridian and standard time

  17. Latitude Figure 1.10

  18. Longitude Figure 1.12

  19. Latitudinal Geographic Zones

  20. Great Circles and Small Circles Figure 1.13

  21. Prime Meridian and Standard Time  Figure 1.14

  22. 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

  23. Classes of Projections Figure 1.18

  24. Global Positioning System (GPS) • Used to map and locate objects on the Earth’s surface • One basic input to GIS

  25. Trimble 4800 GPS on Mount Everest

  26. Remote Sensing • Active remote sensing • Passive remote sensing

  27. Active and Passive Remote Sensing Figure 1.21

  28. 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

  29. GIS System Figure 1.23

  30. End of Chapter 1 Elemental Geosystems 4e

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