Human Geography

Human geography is a branch of geography that focuses on the study of the human population and their cultural, economic, and social interactions with the environment. It examines the distribution of human populations across the globe, the impact of human activity on the natural environment, and the ways in which people use and manage natural resources.

Learn about the different areas of human geography including economic geography, population geography, cultural geography, and more.

Photo of the Espada Acequia in San Antonio, Texas.

Acequias in the Southwest U.S.

Caitlin Dempsey

In New Mexico and other Southwestern states, acequias are channels that are dug to divert water from snow runoff and rivers in order to irrigate fields.

A small brown bird holding a small caterpillar.

How Inequality Affects Urban Wildlife

Mark Altaweel

More access to green space and mature trees in wealthier neighborhoods in the United States has also led to a greater diversity of wildlife in those areas.

A couple of small white boats on a hazy day out in the ocean with the coastline in the background.

Mapping Human Activities in the Oceans

Mark Altaweel

Geospatial technologies are being used to map human activities in our oceans, from fishing to transport.

A dove sitting in a tree.

The Gray-Green Urban Divide: How Wealth and Poverty are Visible from Space

Caitlin Dempsey

Known as the "gray-green divide”, the amount of trees and green space can be an indicator of the income level of the neighborhood.

An AI drawing of a cite with buildings organized in circles.

Using AI to Design Cities

Mark Altaweel

Researchers now are trying to use artificial intelligence techniques, including deep reinforcement learning, to design more efficient and sustainable urban spaces.