This means using maps and other geography tools as well as understanding and analyzing the spatial organization of people, places, and environments on the earth’s surface.

This is the area of geography that considers how physical processes shape the pattern of the earth’s surface. Some examples of physical processes include weather and water, as well as volcanic or earthquake activity. The study of the earth’s ecosystems is also part of the physical systems element.

This element includes the ways that human actions modify the physical environment.  It also considers the affect that physical systems, such as landforms and weather, have on human systems. Additionally the area includes the study of natural resources, including why they are important, and how they are used and distributed..

This element is referring to the physical and human characteristics of places. It is the element that considers the ways that people create regions to interpret the earth’s complexity, as well as how people’s experiences affect the way they see the world.

This element of geography considers human aspects, such as the characteristics of different populations, or groups of people.   It includes the study of how people are distributed on the earth and the reasons they live where they do. This aspect also includes the study of why people move from one place to another. Other things that are looked at are politics, cultures and economics.