Geography For Dummies


Book Description

Geography is more than just trivia, it can help you understand why we import or export certain products, predict climate change, and even show you where to place fire and police stations when planning a city. If you’re curious about the world and want to know more about this fascinating place, Geography For Dummies is a great place to start. Whether you’re sixteen or sixty, this fun and easy guide will help you make more sense of the world you live in. Geography For Dummies gives you the tools to interpret the Earth’s grid, read and interpret maps, and to appreciate the importance and implications of geographical features such as volcanoes and fault lines. Plus, you’ll see how erosion and weathering have and will change the earth’s surface and how it impacts people. You’ll get a firm hold of everything from the physical features of the world to political divisions, population, culture, and economics. You’ll also discover: How you can have a rainforest on one side of a mountain range and a desert on the other How ocean currents help to determine the geography of climates How to choose a good location for a shopping mall How you can properly put the plant to good use in everything you do How climate affects humans and how humans have affected the climate How human population has spread and the impact it has had on our world If you’re mixed up by map symbols or mystified by Mercator projections Geography For Dummies can help you find your bearings. Filled with key insights, easy-to-read maps, and cool facts, this book will expand your understanding of geography and today’s world.




Geography For Dummies


Book Description

The whole world in the palm of your hand Ever wonder how you can have a rainforest on one side of a mountain and a desert on the other? Or zoom around the globe with Google Maps and wonder how everything got to where it is now? The answer is...geography. In Geography For Dummies, you’ll discover that geography is more than just cool trivia—it explains tons about the world around us. From understanding the basics—like how to read maps and geographic coordinates—to learning about how the continents got to their current positions, you’ll learn fascinating things about the planet’s people, cities, resources, and more. In this book, you’ll discover: How geographers make and use maps to understand and tell useful stories about the earth How weather and climate shape the planet, impact the water supply, and change landscapes How humans use (and overuse) the planet we live on to our advantage Geography For Dummies is an incredible exploration of our planet and the people who live on it. This book takes a huge subject and makes it accessible for the rest of us!




Oceans For Dummies


Book Description

Dive deep to explore the ocean From how most of our oxygen is created by phytoplankton, to how currents control our climate, to the marine food chain and the importance of coral, this is the holy grail of ocean books that’s easy for everyone to digest. It features fun facts about some of the most incredible, bizarre, and fascinating creatures in the ocean, from mantis shrimp that can strike things with the speed of a .22 caliber bullet to fish with clear heads that can see out of the top of their skulls. The ocean is full of wonders and there is still so much left to explore and understand. How our oceans work What creatures live in the ocean Find out how the ocean regulates our climate and weather patterns How growing pollution threatens our ocean and its inhabitants Oceans For Dummies is perfect for anyone with an interest in the ocean, including kids, adults, students, ocean lovers, surfers, fishermen, conservationists, sailors, and everyone in between.




GIS For Dummies


Book Description

An easy-to-understand reference for navigating through geographic information systems (GIS) GIS (geographic information system) is a totally cool technology that has been called "geography on steroids." GIS is what lets you see the schools in your neighborhood or tells you where the nearest McDonald's is. GIS For Dummies tells you all about mapping terminology and digital mapping, how to locate geographic features and analyze patterns such as streets and waterways, and how to generate travel directions, customer location lists, and much more with GIS. Whether you're in charge of creating GIS applications for your business or you simply love maps, you'll find GIS For Dummies is packed with information. For example, you can: Learn all the hardware and software necessary to collect, analyze, and manipulate GIS data Explore the difference between 2D and 3D maps, create a map, or manage multiple maps Analyze patterns that appear in maps and interpret the results Measure distance in absolute, comparative, and functional ways Recognize how spatial factors relate to geographic data Discover how GIS is used in business, the military, city planning, emergency services, land management, and more Find out how GIS can help you find discover where flooding may occur Determine what your organization needs, do appropriate analyses, and plan and design a GIS system You'll find dozens of applications for GIS queries and analyses, and even learn to create animated GIS output. Additionally, you can learn about sources of GIS data and GIS software vendors (and even what questions to ask potential vendors). Whether your goal is to implement a geographic information system or just have fun, GIS For Dummies will get you there!




Anthropology For Dummies


Book Description

Covers the latest competing theories in the field Get a handle on the fundamentals of biological and cultural anthropology When did the first civilizations arise? How many human languages exist? The answers are found in anthropology - and this friendly guide explains its concepts in clear detail. You'll see how anthropology developed as a science, what it tells us about our ancestors, and how it can help with some of the hot-button issues our world is facing today. Discover: How anthropologists learn about the past Humanity's earliest activities, from migration to civilization Why our language differs from other animal communication How to find a career in anthropology




Environmental Science For Dummies


Book Description

The easy way to score high in Environmental Science Environmental science is a fascinating subject, but some students have a hard time grasping the interrelationships of the natural world and the role that humans play within the environment. Presented in a straightforward format, Environmental Science For Dummies gives you plain-English, easy-to-understand explanations of the concepts and material you'll encounter in your introductory-level course. Here, you get discussions of the earth's natural resources and the problems that arise when resources like air, water, and soil are contaminated by manmade pollutants. Sustainability is also examined, including the latest advancements in recycling and energy production technology. Environmental Science For Dummies is the most accessible book on the market for anyone who needs to get a handle on the topic, whether you're looking to supplement classroom learning or simply interested in learning more about our environment and the problems we face. Presents straightforward information on complex concepts Tracks to a typical introductory level Environmental Science course Serves as an excellent supplement to classroom learning If you're enrolled in an introductory Environmental Science course or studying for the AP Environmental Science exam, this hands-on, friendly guide has you covered.




Human Geography For Dummies


Book Description

Your map to understanding human geography Human Geography For Dummies introduces you to the ideas and perspectives encompassed by the field of human geography, and makes a great supplement to human geography courses in high school or college. So what is human geography? It’s not about drawing maps all over your body (although you’re welcome to do that if you want—no judgment). Human geography explores the relationship between humans and their natural environment, tracking the broad social patterns that shape human societies. Inside, you’ll learn about immigration, urbanization, globalization, empire and political expansion, and economic systems, to name a few. This learner-friendly Dummies guide explains all the key concepts clearly and succinctly. Find out how location and geography impact population, culture, economics, and politics Learn about contemporary issues in human migration, health, and global peace and stability Get a clear understanding of all the key concepts covered in your introductory human geography class Understand how society got to where it is, and get a glimpse into potential changes in the future Human Geography For Dummies is perfect for students who need additional study materials or simplified explanations. It’s also a fun read for anyone curious about the comings and goings of people on this planet of ours.




GPS For Dummies


Book Description

Need directions? Are you good at getting lost? Then GPS is just the technology you’ve dreamed of, and GPS For Dummies is what you need to help you make the most of it. If you have a GPS unit or plan to buy one, GPS For Dummies, 2nd Edition helps you compare GPS technologies, units, and uses. You’ll find out how to create and use digital maps and learn about waypoints, tracks, coordinate systems, and other key point to using GPS technology. Get more from your GPS device by learning to use Web-hosted mapping services and even how to turn your cell phone or PDA into a GPS receiver. You’ll also discover: Up-to-date information on the capabilities of popular handheld and automotive Global Positioning Systems How to read a map and how to get more from the free maps available online The capabilities and limitations of GPS technology, and how satellites and radio systems make GPS work How to interface your GPS receiver with your computer and what digital mapping software can offer Why a cell phone with GPS capability isn’t the same as a GPS unit What can affect your GPS reading and how accurate it will be How to use Street Atlas USA, TopoFusion, Google Earth, and other tools Fun things to do with GPS, such as exploring topographical maps, aerial imagery, and the sport of geocaching Most GPS receivers do much more than their owners realize. With GPS For Dummies, 2nd Edition in hand, you’ll venture forth with confidence!




Geology For Dummies


Book Description

Get a rock-solid grasp on geology Geology is the study of the earth's history as well as the physical and chemical processes that continue to shape the earth today. Jobs in the geosciences are expected to increase over the next decade, which will increase geology-related jobs well above average projection for all occupations in the coming years. Geology For Dummies is the most accessible book on the market for anyone who needs to get a handle on the subject, whether you?re looking to supplement classroom learning or are simply interested in earth sciences. Presented in a straightforward, trusted format, it features a thorough introduction to the study of the earth, its materials, and its processes. Tracks to a typical college-level introductory geology course An 8-page color insert includes photos of rocks, minerals, and geologic marvels Covers geological processes; rock records and geologic times; matter, minerals, and rock; and more Geology For Dummies is an excellent classroom supplement for all students who enroll in introductory geology courses, from geology majors to those who choose earth science courses as electives.




New York City For Dummies


Book Description

For Dummies Travel guides are the ultimate user-friendly trip planners, combining the broad appeal and time-tested features of the For Dummies series with up-to-the-minute advice and information from the experts at Frommer’s. Small trim size for use on-the-go Focused coverage of only the best hotels and restaurants in all price ranges Tear-out “cheat sheet” with full-color maps or easy reference pointers From soaring skyscrapers to rumbling subways, power shopping to bargain-hunting, world-renowned restaurants to neighborhood delis and pizzerias, majestic cathedrals to Times Square—New York has it all. Chances are you can't do it all, but this friendly guide helps you take a big bite out of the Big Apple with: Maps and tips for getting around by public transit, plus sights best seen on foot A calendar of events for every season A shopper's guide, including trendy areas like SoHo, NoHo, and NoLita Information about great free attractions, including the Staten Island Ferry Sample itineraries to help you make the most of your trip Like every For Dummies travel guide, New York City For Dummies, Fifth Edition includes: Down-to-earth trip-planning advice What you shouldn’t miss — and what you can skip The best hotels and restaurants for every budget With information on "must see" attractions like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and Central Park, places to take the kids, an insider's look at the nightlife, tips on getting discount tickets to popular shows, and a Quick Concierge with all kinds of info, this guide will have you saying, "I love New York."