Intro Physical Geography Topic 1
1
Geosystems:An Introduction
to Physical Geography
Third Canadian Edition
Robert W. ChristophersonMary-Louise Byrne
Philip T. Giles
Copyright © 2013 Pearson Canada Inc.
1
Topic 1Basic Geographic Concepts
• What is Geography? Physical Geography?• Four Spheres of the Earth• Systems Theory• Geodesy• Coordinate Systems• Time Zones• Maps, Scale, & Map Projections• Topographic Maps• Remote Sensing, GIS, and GPS
Chapter 1
2
What is Geography?Science that studies spatial relationships between "things"
Governed by a methodological approach:spatial analysis
3
Intro Physical Geography Topic 1
2
The Scope of Geography
Figure 1.3
4
Physical Geography is …
the spatial analysis of all physical elements and processes (i.e. systems) that make up the Earth
5
Systems TheoryA methodological/philosophical approach
System?
Process?
See Focus Study 1.1 on the Scientific Method6
Intro Physical Geography Topic 1
3
Systems Theory
7
Systems Theory
An Open System
8
Systems Theory
A Closed System
9
Intro Physical Geography Topic 1
4
System Theory
Positive FeedbackNegative Feedback
10
System Theory
11
Mount PinatuboGlobal System Impact
12
Intro Physical Geography Topic 1
5
Models
A = R K L S C P 13
Geodesy?Science that deals with measuring the size and shape of Earth
14
Location, Location, Location
15
Intro Physical Geography Topic 1
6
Latitude
Figure 1.13 Copyright © 2013 Pearson Canada Inc.
16
Latitudinal Geographic Zones
17
Longitude
18
Intro Physical Geography Topic 1
7
Great Circles and Small Circles
Figure 1.16 Copyright © 2013 Pearson Canada Inc.
19
Prime Meridian and Standard Time
Figure 1.21
Copyright © 2013 Pearson Canada Inc.
20
Maps, Map Scale, and ProjectionsMAP= MODEL
CARTOGRAPHY
21
Intro Physical Geography Topic 1
8
Map Scale
Indicates the amount of reduction22
The Right Scale1:250,000 1:50,000
23
Projecting a Globe on to a Flat Map
24
Intro Physical Geography Topic 1
9
Map
Projections 25
Types of Projections
26
Types of Projections
27
Intro Physical Geography Topic 1
10
Types of Projections
28
CLSS
29
30
Intro Physical Geography Topic 1
11
31
32
UTM Coordinate System
Transverse Mercator Projection
33
Intro Physical Geography Topic 1
12
UTM Coordinate System
34
35
Topographic Maps
36
Intro Physical Geography Topic 1
13
Contour Lines
A special type of isarithmic line; indicate constant value37
38
39
Intro Physical Geography Topic 1
14
40
Construction of Profiles
41
Remote SensingCollection and analysis of information without direct contact
What does a RS system consist of?
Passive vs. active
Advantages?42
Intro Physical Geography Topic 1
15
43
44
Geographic Information Systems
A computer systems for managing, analyzing, and displaying spatial information
Map and attribute info
Advantages?
45
Intro Physical Geography Topic 1
16
GNSS
Satellite based navigation system
What is it made up of?
How does it work?
Sources of error include:
46