Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
route to visit all three in a single excursion and draw me a sketch map of the itinerary. If so, then you
are already familiar with the world in spatial terms (see Figure 1-1).
Figure 1-1:
When you drive,
you can't help
but come to grips
with the world in
spatial terms.
Spatial
refers to the location and distribution of things and how they interrelate. Accordingly,
the world in spatial terms responds to geography's most fundamental question: Where? Get-
ting a handle on this element involves:
Knowing how to use and read maps and atlases
Acquiring a general understanding of the tools and techniques that geographers use to ac-
curately locate things
Being able to indicate the location of something using the system of latitude and longitude,
or plain language
Seeing relationships that explain the locations of things
Recalling from memory the location of things on Earth's surface
These are basic skills to build on. On top of that, you'll never have to worry if somebody tells you to
“Get lost!”
Chapter 2, which shows you how to think like a geographer, is very much about understanding the
world in spatial terms. Chapters 3, 4, and 5 are devoted to location and maps, and, therefore, focus
rather directly on this element. In addition, most other chapters will contain at least one map. Thus,
you will encounter the world in spatial terms again and again throughout this topic.
