Managing Geography
Six Essential Elements
9Geog/Olson/2009
How do we study geography?
We organize geography into
Six Essential Elements
9Geog/Olson/2009
Essential Element #1
The World in Spatial Terms
• Focuses on geography’s spatial perspective
(where things are)
• Uses maps to study people, places and
environments
9Geog/Olson/2009
Essential Element #2:
Places and Regions
• Focuses on what makes a place different or
similar to another place
• Considers physical features and human
features
9Geog/Olson/2009
Essential Element #3:
Physical Systems
• Focuses on natural features and systems of
the Earth which include elements such as:
climate, landforms, water, animals, and plants
9Geog/Olson/2009
Essential Element #4:
Human Systems
• Focuses on human features and systems
which include population, migration, culture,
governments, economies, and movement
(which includes communication and
transportation)
9Geog/Olson/2009
Essential Element #5:
Environment and Society
• Focuses on the relationship between people
and their environment
• How do they effect and each other?
9Geog/Olson/2009
Essential Element #6:
Uses of Geography
• Interpret the past
• Understand the present
• Plan for the future
9Geog/Olson/2009