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Studying geography is more than just memorizing the names, locations, shapes, and capitals of your locality or country. Geography is the study of the earth's surface, but there are plenty of specialized concentrations, like cartography (map production), geology (the study of the physical earth and its history), and topography (surface features and land elevation of a particular area).

== Using an Atlas ==

The great thing about learning geography is that you get to look at all sorts of maps, drawings, and charts of real places, instead of trying to memorize intangible math theories or grammar rules. You can learn a great deal by befriending an atlas. If you don't have one, go to your local library or go online.

While a map's colors and shapes may keep your interest up for a bit, the real treasure is getting a sense of spatial distance. Have you ever planned a road trip? Looked at your cruise ship route? Checked the local subway map? You were using a rudimentary form of geography by studying man-made routes along the earth's surface.

== Sub-Categories of Geography ==

As far as actually committing details to memory, not everyone learns the same way. Sure, most of us read, write, and listen, but some students are more visual, while others are more auditory. Whether you learn better via sight or sound, a good geography student can get both, plus the tactile experience. The subject of geography can be divided into broad sub-categories like political, human, and physical.

Physical geography is one of the most hands-on subjects in the world, because it literally IS the world! Historical figures, algebraic equations, and multi-syllabic words are important, but you can't go out and touch them, measure them, or hold them in your hands. The best way to learn about mountains, forests, cliffs, and peninsulas is to physically visit them. Also, whether or not you think you'll ever need them, you should know the basics of latitude and longitude. Learning the coordinates of certain locations can come in handy, especially if you get lost with no landmarks or other help. You boaters, hikers, and other explorers should know this like the back of your hand.

Political geography is not very hands-on, since those country, state, and city borders don't exist. However, it is one of the most widely studied forms of geography, so you should still familiarize yourself with the names, capitals, and general locations of the areas that coincide with your interests. Knowing the location of borders (no, not the bookstore!) is also advisable, since actual wars have begun by two countries fighting over a piece of land. Terrain cartographers are extremely aware of such important lines.

Human geography tends to show lots of statistics, and focuses on the relationship between humans and the earth. Subjects covered for a particular area might be total population, travel or migration patterns, environmental impact, or resource management. We humans usually go about our daily lives with no thought on the effect we have on our planet, but any good atlas will show these patterns and much more.

== Summary ==

An atlas and a good map of the area you're interested in should help get you acquainted with any distances, heights, and other earth-related objects that you might need. If you're taking a formal geography class, you'll learn from an expert, but if not, you can still use these resources on your own.

Learn more about this author, Len Morse.
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