Geographic concepts are the ideas that are mainly covered in the study of geography and mainly give basis to study and research. In the article ‘Geography strikes back’ by Robert Kaplan published on the wall street journal, different concepts of Geography are evident. These include the concept of Region, Culture as well as size location and spatial interaction. This paper describes the relationship of the concepts and the course as well as their role and importance in the general study of Geography.
The issue of region is highly depicted in the article. There can never be Geography without region. This is the area of study and therefore every researcher or scholar in the field of Geography must encounter this concept. In the article, some of the regions are featured in terms of physical features while others are highlighted by their representation in political and religious matters (Hanks, 2011). For instance, the writer talks of how the Himalayas divide China and India as well as the Carpathian mountains creating a natural boundary between the central part of Europe and the Balkans and therefore displaying different development patterns and civilization in terms of the population representation. The significance of this concept to the study of Geography is the fact that it creates a unit of study whereby Geographers go deeper into analyzing data. In other words, region gives the basis to study.
Culture representation in the article is in terms of nationality, religion as well as economic status and social groupings as a result of sharing common interests. This is in both cross boarder and regional representation. The writer talks of the middle class of Asia as well as the rich population as a result of oil and gas in Middle East. There is also a constant mention of Countries like China, USA, Russia, India, Japan, Philippines as well as regions like Africa and Europe which usually have different cultural representation. There is also the mention of the Taliban which is a social grouping by people who share a certain ideology. This concept’s relation to the study is in terms of components of study in this field. The study of Geography is not only in terms of physical features and natural resources but is also about the population residing in different regions which is identified in terms of political ideologies, economic status among other factors (Hanks, 2011).
Spatial interaction is about the relationship of one idea from region to another. Some of the things that Geographers study or phenomenons that happen in one area affect other locations that are quite far from the locations of the occurrences. For instance, issues of natural phenomenon like earth quakes and tsunamis affects regions far from where they occur. Other factors which are mainly man made are also likely to affect different regions. These include political activities, war and terrorism activities. These are well covered in the article and present a basis of study in Geography (Kokla, & Kavouras,, 2008). It is important to acknowledge the significance of cultural and spatial interaction as understanding the concept helps geographers to study and unearth areas that are related and that are likely to be affected by a similar occurrence.
Concepts of Geography present a platform for study and give clear ideas and basis for research that defines the vast field of study. This is presented and governed by specific aspects that mainly involve people as well as their daily activities and their region of residence. They include culture, spatial interaction, region and location among others. Proper understanding of the concepts gives a clear view to the field of Geography and the relationship between different regions in terms of social activities and natural resources.
References
Hanks, R. (2011). Encycropedia of Geography, terms, themes and concepts. Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO.
Kokla, M. & Kavouras, M. (2008). Theories of Geographic Concepts: Formal Ontological Approaches to Sematic Itegration.
