MATHEMATICAL GEOGRAPHY: WHAT IT IS, RELATED AREAS, APPLICATIONS - GEOGRAPHY - 2025

The mathematical geography is a branch of geography that focuses on the study of the dimensions of the Earth. It includes the analysis of its movements and shapes, the climatic stations and the projections that can be made of the planet on a plane, to be represented on maps.

This branch uses multiple specialties that allow it to order and perform calculations of the planet's surface. Some of these are cartography, chronology, topography, and geodesy.

Mapping uses multiple mathematical analyzes to establish relationships of spaces, such as distances.

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It should be noted that there are various mathematical areas that also nurture the studies of this type of geography. Topology, algebra, spherical geometry, and Euclidean are some of the applications that can be used to do spatial analysis.

On the other hand, statistical and graphic techniques are also other resources for the ordering and analysis of the information of a geographic region.

Areas related to mathematical geography

Mathematical geography uses multiple specialties and techniques for its study. Being closely linked to these, knowledge of various branches is important in order to carry out mathematical geographic work that can focus on different aspects of the earth's surface.

Cartography

Cartography is responsible for representing a geographical area on the plane, as in the case of maps or graphics.

Cartography serves geography when it comes to representing a space, even by some division of study interest, such as, for example, a map drawn up taking as reference cultural patterns, organization of society or the behavior of the economy. On the other hand, it is closely linked to mathematics when making spherical projections on a plane.

Cartography dates back to prehistoric times, of which data have been found about projections of places where it was possible to hunt or fish.

The chronology

Chronology refers to any form of organization that can be implemented to keep track of history. Sort through dates, time and space the various events that occur. For geographic analyzes, various calendar systems are used depending on the research purposes.

Topography

As for the physical characteristics of a region, the topography is responsible for describing them. It focuses on natural elements and the shape of surfaces. This science performs measurements through angles and calculations of distances.

The topography is linked to the delimitation of spaces. Today it is widely used in the civil construction of communication routes, aqueducts and others. It is even related to the development of urban planning and other sciences such as archeology.

Geodesy

It focuses on measuring the shape of the Earth at a geometric level, its orientation in space and its relationship with the field of gravity. Analyze the changes that can occur in each of these aspects over time. This area makes use of tools such as GPS to carry out measurements, since they work with coordinates.

The relationship between geography and mathematics

- The contributions of Ptolemy

Ptolemy, 2nd century Egyptian astronomer, mathematician, and geographer. C, was one of the outstanding characters for the history of geography, being a member of the school of Alexandria.

Within the field of geography, he focused on the elaboration of maps and many of his works focused on how to project a spherical shape on the plane. One of his main contributions was the introduction of latitudes and longitudes on the map of the world known for his time.

It should be noted that many of Ptolemy's advances were due to the use of geometry within his studies

His ideas about the representation of lines for latitude and longitude as a grid, allowed a spherical view of the Earth in the plane.

These coordinates also served to establish the calculation of distances, despite the fact that in Ptolemy's maps there are inaccuracies. Maps are evidence of how mathematical calculations can be related to the development of geographic information.

- Areas of mathematics within geography

Mathematics is a necessary area for the study of the surface of the Earth because it allows quantifying the data. The knowledge that a geographer should have to complement his studies include:

Algebra

Mathematical area that is responsible for the study and implementation of mathematical symbols through knowledge of their meanings.

Geometry makes it possible to understand the planet through the projection of the sphere on the plane. It also helps to create coordinates on the map.

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The geometry

Ancient branch of mathematics that analyzes the shape of objects, the spatial relationship that may exist between them and the space that surrounds said object.

It is frequently used for surveying. In geography it allows spherical and plane analysis thanks to specialties such as projective geometry and Euclidean geometry that studies the relationships of area, volume and length of objects.

The odds

It is responsible for measuring the chances of an event occurring. Theoretically, the probability analyzes the results of some random phenomenon, that although they cannot be predicted with exactitude, the possibilities that each result has to take place can be determined.

Application of mathematical geography

There are various approaches to geography whose studies and possible results depend on the application of mathematical knowledge. Among them we can mention:

- Analysis of the shape of the planet and imaginary divisions

- The relationship that exists between the movement of the earth and the gravitational and magnetic factors, adding the effects they generate.

- Coordinate calculations and time variables.

- Knowledge of cartography, map reading, climates and physical characteristics that can occur in the different geographical areas of the planet.

Calculations on the surface of the planet allow dealing with matters such as transportation in some civilization. By knowing the distances and connections between towns, an appropriate location for the base of a government can be established, for example.

This strategic location can help cut communication routes, the time spent traveling to different places and could even determine which routes should be built. The same is applicable for commercial areas, services or for urban development.

References

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