How has the Geography of the West shaped who we are?

CONTENTS

Driving Question.
How does the geography of the West impact who we are?

The geography of the West has significantly influenced our identity. Its vast and diverse landscapes and challenging environments have shaped settlement patterns, industries, and cultural diversity. It separates us from the rest of Canada through our wildlife, environment, and ways of life. From historic expansion and colonization to trade, geography remains a pivotal factor in understanding the West.

THE 5 THEMES OF GEOGRAPHY

LOCATION

PLACE

Location refers to a specific geographic position or place on the Earth's surface. It is one of the five themes of geography, which helps in understanding and analyzing things on the planet. Location can be categorized into two types: absolute and relative.

Absolute location refers to the exact coordinates of a place using latitude and longitude, an address, or a specific point on a map. For example, the absolute location of Vancouver is approximately 49.2827° N latitude and 123.1207° W longitude.

Relative location, on the other hand, describes the position of a place in relation to other landmarks or features. It looks at the connections and associations between places. For instance, Vancouver is located on the west coast of Canada, adjacent to the Pacific Ocean, and it is east of Alberta and north of the Yukon.

Place is one of the five themes of geography that focuses on the unique characteristics and attributes that distinguish one location from another. It includes physical characteristics like landforms, climate, and resources, as well as cultural characteristics like language and traditions.

Place plays a crucial role in understanding the interactions between humans and their environment. The physical and cultural characteristics of a place greatly influence the activities and lifestyles of its inhabitants. Additionally, the resources and ecosystems present in a place impact the livelihoods and economic activities of its people.

HUMAN-ENVIRONMENT INTERACTION

Human-environment interaction, one of the five themes of geography, refers to the ways in which human beings interact with and impact the natural world around them. This theme explores how humans adapt to, modify, and depend on their environment, as well as how their actions can have both positive and negative consequences on ecosystems, resources, and overall environmental sustainability. It encompasses activities such as agriculture, urbanization, resource extraction, pollution, conservation efforts, and climate change mitigation, all of which shape the dynamic relationship between human societies and their surroundings. Human-environment interaction highlights the importance of understanding the reciprocal relationship between people and their environment, as it profoundly influences the cultural, economic, and ecological landscapes of regions and the planet as a whole.

THE 5 THEMES OF GEOGRAPHY

MOVEMENT

Movement, one of the five themes of geography, refers to the transportation of people, goods, and ideas across geographical spaces. It encompasses the physical mobility of individuals and objects, such as migration, trade, and the movement of vehicles and cargo. Moreover, it encompasses the transfer of information and cultural exchanges, reflecting the flow of knowledge, languages, and cultural practices between regions. Movement is a fundamental aspect of geography that explores how human and natural processes interact and evolve, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the world and the dynamic nature of the relationships between places. It helps us understand the ways in which movement shapes societies, economies, and the environment, influencing the development and character of regions and nations.

REGION

In the context of the five themes of geography, a region refers to a defined and distinct area of the Earth's surface characterized by shared or similar physical, cultural, economic, or political characteristics. Regions are geographic entities that can be identified based on specific criteria, such as climate, language, industry, or government structure. They provide a framework for organizing and understanding the world's diversity and complexity.

Regions help geographers and researchers analyze and compare different parts of the world, allowing for the study of patterns, trends, and interactions within and between these areas. They can be at various scales, from local, like a neighborhood or city, to global, like continents or biomes. Understanding regions is fundamental in geography as it aids in the exploration of spatial relationships and the recognition of the unique attributes that make different places distinctive.

During our trip to Alberta, we explored the geography and history of the Rockies, with a focus on Banff and its surroundings. We encountered stunning landscapes in Banff National Park and Lake Louise, learned about the Cave and Basin’s history, and into the beauty of the Golden Skybridge. The Columbia Icefields and their glaciers added to our appreciation of the region's natural forces. As we share our adventure, I invite you to join me in reliving the magic of our remarkable trip in the Canadian Rockies.