The 5 Themes of Geography

1
The 5 Themes of Geography

• Ways to view the world geographically

2
Location Where is it?

• Absolute Location
• An exact spot anywhere on Earth
• Use longitude and latitude

• Relative Location
• Position of a place in relation to other known
  places
• Use cardinal directions (N, S, E, W) and landmarks

3
Place What is it like?

• Physical Features
• Describing a place using natural characteristics

• Human/Cultural Characteristics
• Describing a place using human features (culture,
  people, buildings, etc)

4
Region How are places similar or different?

• Regions can be defined by many different types of
  characteristics
• Formal regions
• Nations, states, continents, counties, etc.
• Functional regions
• Free trade zone, European Union, NATO, etc.
• Perceptual regions
• New England, Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East, ITP
  (Inside the Perimeter), etc.

5
Human-Environment Interaction Where is it?

• We use/adapt to the environment
• People can change how they live in relation to
  the environment

• We change the environment
• People can change the environment to meet their
  specific needs

6
Movement How do people, goods and ideas move
from one location to another?

• Linear Distance
• Measure movement in miles/kilometers
• Time Distance
• How long it takes to get from Point A to Point B
• Psychological Distance
• The way we view distance changes as we
  change/gain more experience