Unit 1: Thinking Geographically

1.1 Introduction to Maps

Learning Objective

Identify types of maps, the types of information presented in maps, and different kinds of spatial patterns and relationships portrayed in maps.

Essential Knowledge

1. Types of maps include reference maps and thematic maps.

2. Types of spatial patterns represented on maps include absolute and relative distance and direction, clustering, dispersal, and elevation.

3. All maps are selective in information; map projections inevitably distort spatial relationships in shape, area, distance, and direction. 

1.2 Geographic Data

Learning Objective

Identify different methods of geographic data collection.

Essential Knowledge

1. Data may be gathered in the field by organizations or by individuals. 

2. Geospatial technologies include geographic information systems (GIS), satellite navigation systems, remote sensing, and online mapping and visualization. 

3. Spatial information can come from written accounts in the form of field observations, media reports, travel narratives, policy documents, personal interviews, landscape analysis, and photographic interpretation. 

1.3 The Power of Geographic Data

Learning Objective

Explain the geographical effects of decisions made using geographical information.

Essential Knowledge

Geospatial and geographical data, including census data and satellite imagery, are used at all scales for personal, business and organizational, and governmental decisionmaking purposes.  

1.4 Spatial Concepts

Learning Objective

Define major geographic concepts that illustrate spatial knowledge.

Essential Knowledge

Spatial concepts include absolute and relative location, space, place, flows, distance decay, time-space compression, and pattern. 

1.5 Human-Environmental Interaction

Learning Objective

Explain how major geographic concepts illustrate spatial relationships.

Essential Knowledge

1. Concepts of nature and society include sustainability, natural resources, and land use. 

2. Theories regarding the interaction of the natural environment with human societies have evolved from environmental determinism to possibilism. 

1.6 Scales of Analysis

Learning Objective

1. Define scales of analysis used by geographers.

2. Explain what scales of analysis reveal.

Essential Knowledge

1. Scales of analysis include global, regional, national, and local.

2. Patterns and processes at different scales reveal variations in, and different interpretations of, data.

1.7 Regional Analysis

Learning Objective

Describe different ways that geographers define regions.

Essential Knowledge

1. Regions are defined on the basis of one or more unifying characteristics or on patterns of activity. 

2. Types of regions include formal, functional, and perceptual/vernacular.

3. Regional boundaries are transitional and often contested and overlapping.

4. Geographers apply regional analysis at local, national, and global scales.