Concept Taxonomy¶

This document defines the categorical taxonomy for organizing concepts in the US Geography learning graph.

Taxonomy Categories¶

Category Name	TaxonomyID	Description
Foundation Concepts	FOUND	Core geography definitions and fundamental concepts that underpin all other learning
Map Skills	MAPS	Map reading, interpretation, scales, legends, coordinates, and navigation skills
Physical Geography	PHYS	Landforms, terrain types, mountains, plains, valleys, and geological features
Water Features	WATER	Rivers, lakes, oceans, bays, coastlines, and aquatic geography
Climate and Weather	CLIM	Climate zones, weather patterns, precipitation, temperature, and seasonal variations
US Regions	REG	Major geographic regions of the United States and their characteristics
US States	STATE	Individual state locations, borders, and identification
State Attributes	ATTR	State capitals, symbols, flags, and identifying characteristics
Human Geography	HUMAN	Population, demographics, urban/rural patterns, and settlement
Economy and Resources	ECON	Natural resources, agriculture, industry, manufacturing, and economic geography
Transportation	TRANS	Highways, railroads, airports, ports, and movement of people and goods
Parks and Landmarks	LAND	National parks, monuments, famous landmarks, and notable locations
Culture and Society	CULT	Cultural regions, immigration, demographic changes, and social geography

Core building blocks that all other concepts depend upon. Includes basic definitions, geographic principles, and fundamental orientation concepts.

Example concepts: Geography Definition, Map Reading Basics, Cardinal Directions

Skills and knowledge related to reading, interpreting, and creating maps. Essential for geographic literacy.

Example concepts: Map Scale, Map Legend, Political Maps, Physical Maps, Latitude, Longitude

Natural landforms and terrain features that shape the physical landscape of the United States.

Example concepts: Mountains, Plains, Plateaus, Rocky Mountains, Appalachian Mountains

Bodies of water including rivers, lakes, oceans, and coastal features that are integral to US geography.

Example concepts: Mississippi River, Great Lakes, Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico

Climate zones, weather patterns, and atmospheric conditions across the United States.

Example concepts: Climate Zones, Tropical Climate, Hurricanes, Tornadoes

Major geographic regions used to organize and understand the diversity of the United States.

Example concepts: Northeast Region, Southeast Region, Midwest Region, West Region

The 50 individual states, their locations, and basic identification.

Example concepts: California, Texas, New York, Florida, Alaska, Hawaii

Characteristics and attributes of states including capitals, symbols, and borders.

Example concepts: State Capitals, Washington DC, State Symbols, State Flags

Population patterns, settlement types, and demographic characteristics.

Example concepts: Population, Population Density, Urban Areas, Major Cities

Natural resources, agriculture, industry, and economic activities across the United States.

Example concepts: Natural Resources, Agriculture, Farming Regions, Technology Hubs

Transportation infrastructure and networks that connect the United States.

Example concepts: Interstate Highways, Railroads, Airports, Ports

Notable locations including national parks, monuments, and famous landmarks.

Example concepts: National Parks, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Statue of Liberty

Cultural regions, social patterns, and demographic dynamics.

Example concepts: Cultural Regions, Native American Lands, Immigration Patterns