The National Geography Standards
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The framework for studying any phenomenon in its geographical context is provided by an understanding of concepts like distance and direction. They are the building blocks for understanding more advanced concepts like location and distribution. |
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Wayland, Massachusetts - A milepost erected in 1768 informs travelers that Boston is 19 miles away. Geography is sometimes called a "discipline in distance." Distance is one of the fundamental variables that helps us understand spatial organization. Roadside mileposts have been part of the American landscape since Colonial times. |
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Los Angeles, California - A signpost points in the direction of Christchurch, Paris, Tokyo, etc. By knowing distance and direction, we navigate our way around the world and feel connected to other places and other people. Sign posts such as this have become common components of tourist landscapes. |
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Metro Map of Washington, DC - Most subway maps generalize distance and direction so as to simplify the map reading process for transit patrons. This is not truly a map, but a cartogram, a cross between a map and a diagram. Source: Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. |
Sample Questions from the National Geography Challenge 1996 (Grade 2) which illustrates . . .
STANDARD 3 -- SPATIAL ORGANIZATION
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