Chapter 1: Looking at the Earth

Section 1:Thinking Like A

Geographer

Thinking Like A Geographer

Geographer: person who studies geography

• Geography: the study of the earth in all it’s variety

Thinking Like A Geographer

• Geographers look at issues: global, national, or local

• They try to understand the physical and human characteristics, or features, of the issue

Thinking Like A GeographerPhysical Characteristics

• Geographers study places• They look at where something is located

• They also try to understand what the place is like

• They ask: what features make a place similar to or different from other places?

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Thinking Like A GeographerPhysical Characteristics

Here are the actual physical characteristics a geographer would identify:

1. Landforms2. Trees

3. Bodies of water4. Soil

5. Rain: precipitation6. Weather: hot vs. cold

Thinking Like A GeographerHuman Characteristics

Geographers also look at the social characteristics of people living in a place:

1. Culture2. Ancestors

3. Government4. Language5. Religion

6. Work/Job/Career/Economy

Thinking Like A GeographerPeople and Places

Where people live influences HOW they live.

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Thinking Like A GeographerRegions:

Geographers also look at the big picture, or how individual places relate to other places.

1. Small areas such as towns/cities2. South Eastern United States3. Country/countries/continents

Thinking Like A GeographerTools of Geography

1. Maps2. Globes

3. Radar Cameras – reveal hidden information

Radar image of

Antarctica

Thinking Like A GeographerTools of Geography

4. Landsat Images – images taken above the earth; how maps are made

5. GPS – tells the exact latitude/longitude of an exact location

6. GIS – Computer Software7. Computers

Landsat Image of

Antarctica

Thinking Like A GeographerUses of Geography

1. Maps – to get around2. Planning – plan new services, disasters, how

much new housing3. Helps people make sound decisions – street

traffic4. Helps people manage resources – trees, water