Nayree Panossian AP Human Geography Ch.1 - 1 Notes Geography = The study of where things are found on earths surface and the reasons for the locations. Maps as reference tools = a map helps us find the shortest route btw 2 places, and to avoid getting lost along the way. We consult maps to know where in the world some place is found. Maps as communication tools = a map is often the best means for showing the distribution of human activities or physical features, as well as for thinking about reasons underlying a distribution. Early Maps = the earliest of maps were reference tools ? simple navigation devices designed to show a traveler how to get from point A to point B.