The Tools of Geography

Francisci WG.1

Remember: Geography is the science that studies the lands, the features, the inhabitants and the phenomena of the earth.

What are some tools that we can use to study Geography?

The Tools: Database

• A database is a structured collection of records or data that is stored in a computer system that can be searched and sorted.

• Ex. Searching the Yellow Pages for businesses; Using Travelocity to book a trip.

• Databases make information easily attainable.

The Tools: Diagram

• A diagram is a drawing that shows steps in a process or parts of an object.

• Diagrams are called visual aids or graphic organizers. They provide another way of presenting information.

The Tools: Environment

• Environment: Natural surroundings.

• Studying natural surroundings helps us understand the complex relationships between people and the environment and how to improve theses relationships.

The Tools: Fieldwork

• Fieldwork is the collection of raw data.

• Fieldwork is an investigation that takes place on the field - not inside a lab.

• Field work allows researchers to examine the way scientific theories interact with real life.

The Tools: Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

• A Geography Information System is a software program that gathers geographic information that is used to make and manipulate maps and data.

• GIS is important because it is able to bring together information from multiple sources so that work can be done.

The Tools: Maps & Globes

• Maps and globes are instruments used to locate places on Earth.

• Globe is the spherical presentation of the Earth. Map is a plane presentation of the Earth.

• They both show boundaries of countries, latitude and longitude, major water systems, etc.

The Tools: Photographs

• Photographs are used to show details such as the shape of land, what plants cover an area and how land is being used.

• Photographs are important because they can answer questions like, “What is this place like?”

The Tools: Primary Sources

• A primary source is a document, recording or other source of information created with direct personal knowledge, as an original source of information about a topic

• Examples include journals, videos, photographs, and letters)

• Give the reader a first-hand account of what took place.

The Tools: Satellite Image

• A satellite image is a photograph or group of photographs of Earth or other planets made by means of artificial satellites.

• A satellite can take pictures of far away places that we cannot see or visit.