SOCIAL STUDIES 8

GEOGRAPHY BASICS
An Introduction
What is Geography?

 The study of the earth’s surface

 Interrelationships with
 Physical characteristics
 Climate
 Location
 Human activity
The Atlas
 A Collection of maps and other relevant
information
 Tables
 Charts
 Graphs
 Photos
 Diagrams
 Some follow specific themes
 Economics
 Transportation, etc.
Map Basics/Essentials
 1. Title
 Of what is being studied/shown
 2. Legend
 Explains map information
 3. Scale
 Ratio between distance on a map and reality
 4. Compass Rose
 Shows direction and bearings
Types of Maps

Outline
-Shows shape, size
 …can you identify the following …?

New
P.E.I.
Brunswick

Yukon
Nova Scotia Quebec

Alberta

B.C.

Saskatchewan
Northwest Newfoundland
Territories Nunavut
Manitoba

Ontario
Types of Maps

Political
-Shows countries, borders, or other
human-made divisions
Types of Maps

Physical or Relief
- shows shape and details of surface
Types of Maps

Thematic
-Deals with specific topic or focus
Types of Maps

Topographic
-illustrate the horizontal and vertical
positions of land surface features
-A 3-dimensional representation of
surface area
Symbols

 Line symbols (different colours,

thickness, dashed, etc.)
 Mark Symbols (circles, squares,
triangles, or representative symbols)
MAP ASSIGNMENT

 Create an accurate map of the

classroom; include the following:
 Title
 Legend
 Compass rose
 Scale (optional)
*need to define “landmarks” vs. transitory
objects*