1. The 5 Themes of Geography
How Geographers look at the world

2. Location
Absolute Location- identifying an exact spot on the earth using latitude & longitude.
Example:
41º 38’ 01.24” N
111º 52’ 07.09” W
Relative Location- where a place is located in relation to other things.
Example: directions to your house.

3. Place
Human Characteristics- things people do that make a place unique.
Examples: language, religion, customs, foods, clothing, etc.
Physical Characteristics- natural features of the earth in an area.
Examples: climate, landforms, vegetation, waterbodies, etc.

4. Human-Environment Interaction
How humans change the environment to meet their needs & how the environment affects human activities.
Example: deforestation, reservoirs, farming, clothing types, etc.

5. Movement
The movement of people, goods, & ideas across the globe & why they move.
Example: boats, airplanes, trains, trucks, television, newspapers, internet, telephone, talking, etc.

6. Region An area defined by a common characteristic.
Formal Region- united by specific factors. Example: cultural, political, religious
Functional Region- a central place & the area linked to it. Example: greater Salt Lake area
Perceptual Region- defined by popular feelings & images rather than by objective data. Example: the West

7. Geographers at Work
Research methods geographers use to gather data include:
Direct Observation- field work, remote sensing, aerial photos
Interviewing- how people think or feel about an issue
Statistics- census data, temperature & rainfall
Technology- satellites, computers, GPS
Mapping- cartography, GIS