Geography Basics

Geography is the study of the Earth’s physical and human features, their spatial relationships, and the processes that shape them. It is a broad and interdisciplinary field that incorporates elements of natural science, social science, and the humanities.

Geographers seek to understand the complex interactions between the natural environment and human societies, and the ways in which these interactions vary across different regions and cultures.

This category contains articles about introductory concepts in geography. Find resources, books, lesson plans, and maps for teaching geography to all ages. A fun way to learn about geography is through the use of quizzes which are also listed in this category.

Screenshot from an interactive map website showing transit maps.

Automating a London Tube Style Transit Map of the World

Caitlin Dempsey

Researchers used OpenStreetMap data to automate the creation of a global transit map, featuring schematic layouts inspired by the iconic London Tube map.

A view on a bright sunny day of a street in a residential neighborhood with some trees.

Study: Cities at Higher Latitudes Benefit More from Urban Vegetation Cooling

Caitlin Dempsey

Study in Nature Communications examined cooling benefits of urban vegetation in 468 cities to see where parks and greenery benefit residents most.

Coastlines, like this California view at Pescadero, show how complex coastlines are with bluffs, rocks, and curvature. Photo: Meaghan Faletti, USGS . Public domain.

How Many States Are Along the East Coast and West Coast of the United States?

Caitlin Dempsey

Learn how many states are along the East Coast and how many states are along the West Coast.

A view of chaparral in the hills in the background against a sunny sky with light green grass in the foreground.

Biases in Measuring Vegetation Greenness with Satellite Imagery

Caitlin Dempsey

"Greenness" measures vegetation health and density, often using NDVI, reflecting plant vitality and changes due to climate or land use.

A pair of old wooden cabins with vegetation growing through and around them.

Study: 25% of Europe Could Be Rewilded

Caitlin Dempsey

A recent study found that about 25% of Europe could benefit from rewilding, the process of restoring natural ecosystems and wildlife.

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