The Basics

(areas of unique characteristics, ways of organizing people geographically)

1) Distinctive characteristics:

a) area: defined spatial extent

b) location: lie somewhere on Earth’s surface

c) boundaries: sometimes evident on the ground, often based on specifically chosen criteria

d) other: cultural (language, religion), economic (agriculture, industry), physical (climate, vegetation)

2) Three types of regions:

a) Formal – (a.k.a. uniform, homogeneous), visible and measurable homogeneity (link to scale and detail)

b) Functional – product of interactions, and movement of various kinds, usually characterized by a core and hinterland (e.g. a city and its surrounding suburbs)

c) Perceptual – (a.k.a. vernacular), primarily in the minds of people (e.g. Sunbelt)

3) Regions can be seen in a hierarchy (vertical order, scale), (e.g. Ft. Lauderdale – Broward County – Florida – Southeastern US …)