Unit 1 - Thinking Geographically

Unit 1 - Thinking Geographically: This first unit emphasizes basic geography skills and the various types and uses of maps.  To understand the spatial aspects of a phenomena; geographers use a broad set of concepts, skills, and tools.  One basic concept is distance. This distance affects everything from how people relate to their neighbors to where stores will open.  A geographic skill is an ability to apply spatial concepts to understand how people live.  The most common tool for geographers is a map.  A map can show almost any phenomenon that has a spatial distribution.  Maps can help people identify and analyze world patterns and processes.  For example, mapping the spread of a disease can help public health officials decide what steps to take in order to counter the spread.  Human geographers seek to discover who lives where, how they live, and why they live there. (88 Slides and videos)