
The academic discipline of Geography is split into two main sub-areas: Physical Geography, and Human Geography.
From a spatial perspective Physical Geography looks at the natural world through a scientific lens and Human Geography looks at humans and human culture through a social sciences lens.
Atlas of the Pacific Northwest (2019 OSU Libraries & Press)
Fully-interactive online regional map.
Reference Sources
Search these resources for background information
Credo Topics: Geography. Academic background information for your research. FilmsOnDemand: GeographyScholarly Journals
Cartography
The study of and creation of maps, informed by the study of graphic design and human perception and cognition (a thorough History of Cartography is available from the University of Chicago Press).
Finding Online Maps
Finding Maps @ the Library
The library houses a collection of maps you can check out such as:
- Flat Maps: Located by the Circulation Desk
- Rolled Maps: Mainly for classroom use but are available upon request. Please ask for assistance.
- Folded Maps: Shelved in the Stacks.
GIS – Geographic Information Systems
In recent years GIS have been added to the geographer’s repertoire. GIS uses computers as a tool for analyzing spatial data. GIS data can also be used in cartography.
Try! QGIS – A free and open source Geographic Information System.
“Spatial Thinking in Planning Practice: An Introduction to GIS” from Portland State University Library.Keeping Up With … Geography
TED Talks | Geography University of Oxford: School of Geography and the Environment PodcastsThese online audio resources consist of lectures, seminars and interviews from the School of Geography and the Environment at the University of Oxford.
A VerySpatial Podcast (Geography… in Stereo): “your weekly source for information on Geography and geospatial technologies. Geography touches most things we do everyday and geospatial technologies are taking over the world. This podcast seeks to point out how geo is filtering into our digital lives and daily lives.” The Geo Quiz: from PRI’s The World challenges your knowledge of people and places, geography and culture. Created by journalists in the newsroom, each Geo Quiz question comes with its own answer, a fascinating report or interview that reveals a mystery location. Subscribe to the podcast.