Intro Physical Geography Topic 1

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Geosystems:An Introduction

to Physical Geography

Third Canadian Edition

Robert W. ChristophersonMary-Louise Byrne

Philip T. Giles

Copyright © 2013 Pearson Canada Inc.

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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

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What is Geography?Science that studies spatial relationships between "things"

Governed by a methodological approach:spatial analysis

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The Scope of Geography

Figure 1.3

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Physical Geography is …

the spatial analysis of all physical elements and processes (i.e. systems) that make up the Earth

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Systems TheoryA methodological/philosophical approach

System?

Process?

See Focus Study 1.1 on the Scientific Method6

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Systems Theory

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Systems Theory

An Open System

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Systems Theory

A Closed System

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System Theory

Positive FeedbackNegative Feedback

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System Theory

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Mount PinatuboGlobal System Impact

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Models

A = R K L S C P 13

Geodesy?Science that deals with measuring the size and shape of Earth

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Location, Location, Location

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Latitude

Figure 1.13 Copyright © 2013 Pearson Canada Inc.

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Latitudinal Geographic Zones

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Longitude

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Great Circles and Small Circles

Figure 1.16 Copyright © 2013 Pearson Canada Inc.

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Prime Meridian and Standard Time

Figure 1.21

Copyright © 2013 Pearson Canada Inc.

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Maps, Map Scale, and ProjectionsMAP= MODEL

CARTOGRAPHY

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Map Scale

Indicates the amount of reduction22

The Right Scale1:250,000 1:50,000

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Projecting a Globe on to a Flat Map

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Map

Projections 25

Types of Projections

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Types of Projections

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Types of Projections

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CLSS

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UTM Coordinate System

Transverse Mercator Projection

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UTM Coordinate System

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Topographic Maps

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Contour Lines

A special type of isarithmic line; indicate constant value37

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Construction of Profiles

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Remote SensingCollection and analysis of information without direct contact

What does a RS system consist of?

Passive vs. active

Advantages?42

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Geographic Information Systems

A computer systems for managing, analyzing, and displaying spatial information

Map and attribute info

Advantages?

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GNSS

Satellite based navigation system

What is it made up of?

How does it work?

Sources of error include:

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