Digital library
Textbooks, references and open learning resources.
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A Historical Geography of North America
Charles Travis · Mavs Open Press · 2026
This book offers an accessible and critical look at the historical geography of North America. Placing an emphasis on the continent's various human geographies, the book discusses how they developed and interacted across North America’s various physiographic regions. Highlighting spatial entanglements of culture, ethnicity, and religion, the book addresses the development of technology within the context of the historical extraction and consumption of the continent’s natural resources. Engaging a time span that reaches back to the Pre-Columbian Era, and up to the early decades of the twenty-first century, the book provides a broad survey of North America's historical geography.
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Human Geography
Christine Rosenfeld; Nathan Burtch · Virginia's Academic Library Consortium (VIVA) · 2023
Welcome to Human Geography! If you are interested in how humans interact with the environment and how human systems are geographically distributed over space, then you’ve found your place. We hope that find this textbook useful and enjoyable; please dive in by clicking “Contents” to immerse yourself in all-things-human geography.
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Fundamentals of Human Geography
Wing Cheung · Wing Cheung · 2023
Fundamentals of Human Geography is a college-level digital textbook aimed at introducing undergraduate students to the field of human and cultural geography. This digital textbook was initially conceived as an interactive supplemental guide for an open-source textbook on Human Geography (Introduction to Human Geography ). However, as more materials were added to this digital textbook, it slowly evolved into a standalone textbook on Human Geography which can be used by itself or as a supplemental guide. Be sure to explore all of the interactive content in each chapter and read the captions carefully, as a number of critical concepts are introduced in the interactive content. Be sure to also review the FAQ section for answers to commonly asked questions about technical aspects of this textbook.
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World Regional Geography
Caitlin Finlayson · Caitlin Finlayson · 2016
Rather than present students with a broad, novice-level introduction to geography, emphasizing places and vocabulary terms, this text approaches geography as experts understand the discipline, focusing on connections and an in-depth understanding of core themes. This thematic approach, informed by pedagogical research, provides students with an introduction to thinking geographically. Instead of repeating the same several themes each chapter, this text emphasizes depth over breadth by arranging each chapter around a central theme and then exploring that theme in detail as it applies to the particular region. In addition, while chapters are designed to stand alone and be rearranged or eliminated at the instructor's discretion, the theme of globalization and inequality unites all of the regions discussed. This core focus enables students to draw connections between regions and to better understand the interconnectedness of our world. Furthermore, the focus on both globalization and inequality helps demonstrate the real-world application of the concepts discussed. Colonialism, for instance, rather than a historical relict, becomes a force that has shaped geography and informs social justice. This thematic approach is also intended to facilitate active learning and would be suitable for a flipped or team-based learning-style course since it more easily integrates case studies and higher-order thinking than the traditional model. Each chapter begins with a list of learning objectives. This text was written with the backward course design model in mind and the content of each chapter was structured around these learning objectives. Because of this backward design focus, the length of each chapter is considerably shorter than most traditional textbooks. The intention is for the instructor to supplement the text with problems, case studies, and news articles and to use the text as a springboard for discussing deeper issues. The chapters are written in an accessible style, o
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World Regional Geography - People, Places and Globalization
University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing · 2016
World Regional Geography: People, Places and Globalization is designed for students to experience and study as much of the world as possible within a limited amount of time. It gives students the fundamental concepts and the latest data regarding world places in a concise, easy-to-read format. This World Regional Geography textbook focuses on the primary issues that have created our cultural and societal structures, and presents them within a framework for global understanding. A pattern of development is outlined from the imprint that European colonialism had on culture to the impact that giant retail corporations like Wal-Mart have on consumerism. Within this framework, the textbook takes a regional approach to globalization and world geography, as each chapter focuses on one subject or region. The first unit covers the basic concepts of location, the environment, and global economic dynamics. Then, these basic concepts, theories, and principles are presented for each region on a chapter-by-chapter basis. The basic concepts are covered using real world examples to provide purpose and relevance for the students. And each lesson begins with learning objectives and ends with key takeaways to stimulate critical thinking about each topic or region. Basic spatial concepts are also tracked throughout the text to connect ideas and apply concepts to every region of the world. Special sections on relevant topics are also distributed throughout the book. With each chapter focused on one region, the textbook provides professors with some course management and flexibility. The text is also brief enough to provide additional flexibility if professors want to include specialized information from outside sources. World Regional Geography: People, Places and Globalization provides students with a working knowledge of world geography in an easy-to-read format. Basic geographic concepts of world places are presented in concise chapters, and each chapter provides a foundational frame
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Physical Geography
Jeremy Patrich; Trudi Radtke · College of the Canyons · 2020
Welcome to Physical Geography at College of the Canyons. This textbook was designed especially for College of the Canyons students, as a resource to instill the knowledge and adventure that the discipline of geography holds for so many of us. The following units will cover a wide array of topics such as: Earth’s grid system, rivers, oceans, deserts, basic geology, and cartography.
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Community Resilience to Climate Change: Theory, Research and Practice
Dana Hellman; Vivek Shandas · Portland State University Library · 2020
This reader is an Open Educational Resource, meant to accompany a graduate or higher-level undergraduate university course in climate change resilience, adaptation, and/or planning. While the material is geared toward students in urban and regional planning, it may also be of interest to students of urban studies, public health, geography, political science, sociology, risk management, and others. Each section of this volume includes (1) an introductory summary, (2) a reading list with full text articles, (3) student exercises meant to enhance understanding and facilitate in-class discussion, and (4) additional discussion prompts or activities for instructors to use in class. The format of materials is intended to convey key concepts, while leaving ample space for student exploration, discourse, and creativity. Lessons may culminate in an applied, imaginative final project, a sample framework of which is provided at the end of Section VI.
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The History and Culture of the Standing Rock Oyate
North Dakota Department of Public Instruction · University of North Dakota · 1995
History & Culture of the Standing Rock Oyate is a guide to the Standing Rock nation, past and present. Elders, scholars, and other experts from the nation contributed the content of this book, which was reviewed by Standing Rock Community College and published by the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) for use in middle and high school North Dakota Studies classes, as well as in higher education. The Standing Rock Reservation (Lakota: Íŋyaŋ Woslál Háŋ) shares geography with southern North Dakota and with South Dakota. The capital of this sovereign nation is Fort Yates.
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The History and Culture of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa
North Dakota Department of Public Instruction · University of North Dakota · 1997
History & Culture of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa is a guide to the Turtle Mountain nation, past and present. Elders, scholars, and other experts from the nation contributed the content of this book, which was reviewed by Turtle Mountain Community College and published by the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) for use in middle and high school North Dakota Studies classes, as well as in higher education. The Turtle Mountain nation is called Mikinaakwajiw-ininiwag in the Ojibwe language. This sovereign nation’s capital is Belcourt. The Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation shares geography with northern North Dakota, along the border with Canada. The rest of its land base exists as parcels of trust land across Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota, defying easy summarization.
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The History and Culture of the Mni Wakan Oyate (Spirit Lake Nation)
North Dakota Department of Public Instruction · University of North Dakota · 1997
History & Culture of the Mni Wakan Oyate Spirit Lake Nation is a guide to the Spirit Lake nation, past and present. Elders, scholars, and other experts from the nation contributed the content of this book, which was reviewed by Cankdeska Cikana Community College (English: Little Hoop Community College) and published by the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) for use in middle and high school North Dakota Studies classes, as well as in higher education. The Spirit Lake Nation’s name in the Santee Dakota language is “Mni Wakan Oyate” (also transcribed “Mniwakaƞ Oyate”). The nation was formerly called the Devils Lake Sioux Tribe in various English-language materials. It is comprised of the Pabaksa (Iháŋkthuŋwaŋna), Sisseton (Sisíthuŋwaŋ) and Wahpeton (Waȟpéthuŋwaŋ) bands of the Dakota people. The Spirit Lake Dakota Reservation shares geography with eastern North Dakota, beside Devils Lake. Fort Totten is the capital of this sovereign nation.
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North Dakota Native American Essential Understandings
North Dakota Department of Public Instruction · University of North Dakota · 2015
History & Culture of the Mandan Hidatsa & Sahnish (Arikara) is a guide to the Three Affiliated Tribes nation, past and present. The book is divided into three sections: one for each tribe. Elders, scholars, and other experts from the nation contributed the content of this book, which was reviewed by Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College and published by the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) for use in middle and high school North Dakota Studies classes, as well as in higher education. The MHA nation is known as the following in its languages: Mandan: Miiti Naamni, Hidatsa: Awadi Aguraawi, Arikara: ačitaanu' táWIt. The Fort Berthold Indian Reservation shares geography with western North Dakota, with land on either side of the Missouri River basin. New Town is this sovereign nation’s capital.
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Digital Cartography
Dorris Scott · Washington University Libraries · 2024
Digital Cartography covers foundational cartographic principles that are needed to make effective maps. lt explores such concepts as data, lettering, along with multivariate and uncertainty visualization. By the end of this book, a reader will be able to: (1) Describe how cartographic concepts such generalization, scale and projection will affect mapping products; (2) Identify the medium, purpose, and spatial data requirements to create a map that is appropriate to a specific audience; (3) Evaluate maps produced by peers and various organizations; and (4) Construct maps that effectively use color, font, and other design elements using ArcGIS Pro.
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Natural Resources Sustainability: An introductory synthesis
Christopher Lant · Utah Education Network Digital Press with Pressbooks · 2023
This text has evolved from 20 semesters teaching the undergraduate courses Geography, People, and the Environment and Environment and Society. It is designed for freshmen through junior-level courses at community, junior and four-year colleges and universities in the United States. Focused upon the dilemma of environmental sustainability, geography and the emergent field of ecological economics are emphasized in a trans-disciplinary framework. It provides—in a one semester or one quarter undergraduate course that requires no prerequisites—a fundamental background in the essentials students need to deal with natural resource and environmental issues as an informed citizen while building a foundation for further study.
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Urban Literacy: Learning to Read the City Around You
Leanne Serbulo · Portland State University Library · 2021
This book introduces students to the basic concepts of urban studies. It is an interdisciplinary text that was developed for lower-division undergraduate students. The book is organized into thematic chapters that explore different aspects of urban life, such as the environment, housing, and culture. Each chapter introduces a new way of conceptualizing the city, presents core theories and concepts, and provides examples and case studies from cities around the globe to illustrate the ideas presented in the text. At the end of each chapter, there are review questions and a series of interactive field activities where students can apply the concepts introduced in the chapter to a real-world setting. Many of the field activities can be adapted to online or remote learning modalities. This textbook is appropriate for interdisciplinary courses with urban themes or for introductory urban studies, urban sociology, or urban geography classes.
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International Relations Theory
Stephen McGlinchey; Rosie Walters; Christian Scheinpflug · E-International Relations · 2017
This book is designed as a foundational entry point to International Relations theory – structured to condense the most important information into the smallest space and present that information in an accessible manner. The first half of the book covers the theories that are most commonly taught in undergraduate programmes. The book then expands to present emerging approaches and offer wider perspectives. Each chapter sets out the basics of a theory whilst also applying it to a real-world event or issue, creating a lively, readable and relevant guide that will help students to see not only what theories are – but why they matter.
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British Columbia in a Global Context
BCcampus · 2014
This first year Geography textbook takes a holistic approach to Geography by incorporating elements of physical, human and regional geography, as well as bringing in methods and perspectives from spatial information science.. This textbook applies a fundamental geographical approach to understanding our globally changing world by looking at local processes which are linked to larger global processes and events. The textbook includes numerous case studies specific to British Columbia as well as a number of suggested service learning activities. Over the course of four days in June, 2014, 5 faculty members from across British Columbia supported by a facilitator, librarian, researcher, illustrator, programmer and instructional designer, created this book. This involved drawing on our own research, teaching and experience and working with the team to put it all together into an online format; one which would be accessible to students and educators alike. Beyond the unique way in which this book was created in a Book Sprint process, there are other elements of this book that make it unique. First, it takes a holistic approach to first year Geography, incorporating elements of Physical, Human, and Regional Geography, as well as bringing in methods and perspectives from Spatial Information Science. Pedagogically, this book incorporates elements of service learning and suggested service learning activities recognizing that the study of Geography is deeply connected to the communities we live in. Many of the suggestions for service learning are illustrated through the use of case studies from across BC. The book is aimed at a a first year or introductory Geography student, and would be suitable for a first year Geography course on BC.
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International Relations
Stephen McGlinchey · E-International Relations · 2016
This book is designed to be a ‘Day 0' introduction to International Relations. As a beginner's guide, it has been structured to condense the most important information into the smallest space and present that information in the most accessible way. The chapters offer a broad sweep of the basic components of International Relations and the key contemporary issues that concern the discipline. The narrative arc forms a complete circle, taking readers from no knowledge to competency. The journey starts by examining how the international system was formed and ends by reflecting that International Relations is always adapting to events and is therefore a never-ending journey of discovery. Unlike typical textbooks, there are no boxes, charts, pictures or exercises. The philosophy underpinning this book is that these things can be a distraction. This book, like others in the E-IR Foundations series, is designed to capture attention with an engaging narrative. The chapters are short, with simple paragraphs and clear sentences placing the reader inside crucial issues and debates so they can understand how things work, and where they fit in the world around them.
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Contribución a la gestión integral de los residuos sólidos urbanos en cantones del Ecuador.
Rubén Patricio Alcocer-Quinteros; José A. Knudsen-González; Fernando Marrero-Delgado · Editorial Grupo AEA · 2024
En la presente investigación se elabora un procedimiento general y sus específicos cuyo objetivo es contribuir a mejorar el desempeño de la gestión integral de la cadena de suministro de los residuos sólidos urbanos en cantones del Ecuador. El procedimiento propuesto resuelve las insuficiencias de las herramientas precedentes analizadas en la construcción del marco teórico referencial, al incluir un modelo multicriterio y tener un enfoque sistémico de mejoramiento continuo basado en procesos. La investigación comienza con la caracterización de la cadena objeto de estudio y la identificación de los indicadores al incluir en el diagnóstico desde una perspectiva de sostenibilidad. Al mismo tiempo, se propone un indicador de desempeño integral para evaluar la cadena de suministro, junto con las escalas pertinentes para cada uno de estos indicadores y el desempeño de la cadena de suministro de los residuos sólidos urbanos. Los resultados obtenidos permitieron el diagnóstico del nivel de desempeño en que se encuentra la gestión de residuos sólidos urbanos, y en consecuencia proyectar, mediante un modelo matemático multicriterio, las políticas para el mejoramiento gradual de dicha gestión. En el caso de la cadena de suministro de los residuos sólidos urbanos del Cantón Quevedo de Ecuador permitió la identificación de oportunidades de mejoras basadas en los problemas detectados. Además, se comprobó la hipótesis general de investigación planteada al evidenciar una mejora en el índice de desempeño de la cadena objeto de estudio después de aplicar un conjunto de mejoras.
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Cadena de Valor de los Residuos Sólidos Urbanos: Un Enfoque Integral
Genesis Manuela Villanueva-Conforme; Ximena Paola Cervantes-Molina · Editorial Grupo AEA · 2024
El incremento de los residuos sólidos plantea desafíos ambientales y económicos, la cadena de valor se enfoca en optimizar su gestión para promover la sostenibilidad desde la generación hasta la disposición final. Esta investigación se desarrolló en la parroquia Velasco Ibarra con el objetivo de evaluar la cadena de valor de los residuos sólidos urbanos en el cantón El Empalme. Para ello se realizaron encuestas con escala de Likert a 368 hogares, 334 empresas y 5 centros de reciclaje, utilizando muestreo probabilístico aleatorio simple. Además, se entrevistó al funcionario municipal responsable del manejo de residuos. En el programa SPSS se analizó la confiabilidad de las encuestas con el coeficiente alfa de Cronbach, obteniendo valores de (0,929) para los hogares, (0,949) empresas y (0,908) recicladoras. También se efectuó un análisis de normalidad utilizando la prueba de Kolmogorov-Smirnov y correlaciones con el coeficiente Rho de Spearman. Se elaboró una matriz FODA para los factores que afectan la gestión de residuos y se diseñó una cadena de valor para mejorar su manejo de manera eficaz. Los resultados revelaron correlaciones significativas entre la frecuencia de recolección de residuos y la satisfacción de la población (0,718), entre el cumplimiento legal de residuos peligrosos y el monitoreo regular en empresas (0,504). Existe una débil correlación (0,395) entre las preferencias de las recicladoras y la eficiencia de las operaciones. Se destacaron fortalezas, debilidades, oportunidades y amenazas en la gestión de residuos, que requieren atención inmediata. La cadena de valor diseñada proporciona actividades para mejorar la problemática. En conclusión, la gestión de residuos sólidos es ineficiente por la descoordinación entre los actores involucrados.
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Introducción a la estructura ecológica principal del Distrito Capital y su región ambiental: Conceptos fundamentales, ordenamiento territorial e instrumentos jurídicos
Alan David Vargas-Fonseca; Odilia Margarita Borja-Cuadros; Julián Felipe Cristiano-Mendivelso · Editorial Grupo AEA · 2023
El Distrito Capital, como entidad territorial localizada en el centro de la Sábana de Bogota, tiene la responsabilidad política y administrativa de liderar la sostenibilidad ambiental y articularse con la Corporación Autónoma Regional de Cundinamarca (CAR) con miras a preservar la estructura ecológica del territorio y propiciar usos sostenibles del suelo (urbano y rural). Para ello existe un conjunto de herramientas e instrumentos administrativos contemplados en el Plan de Ordenamiento Territorial (POT) del Distrito Capital que todos los ciudadanos deberían conocer y usar para proteger los ecosistemas de la sabana de Bogota y los derechos humanos asociados con la sostenibilidad ambiental. El objetivo de esta publicación es contribuir a la divulgación de dichas herramientas, mediante conceptualización y síntesis de la información jurídica relevante sobre la materia. Para lograr este propósito, este libro está estructurado en dos partes, la primera plantea una contextualización teórica e historia sobre el ordenamiento territorial en Bogotá y la segunda parte presenta los principales conceptos de la estructura ecológica principal siguiendo el articulado del POT de Bogotá - Decreto Distrital 555 de 2021.