Geographical Skills: Distribution

The concept of distribution can be applied to nearly everything on Earth, from animal and plant species, to disease infections, weather patterns, and man-made structures. Read through this article to learn more and see examples of distribution.

People are unevenly distributed around the world. Population distribution is affected by environmental and human factors around the world. Find out more about these factors with this website.

PQE is a tool used by geographers to describe the data they have gathered (particularly on maps) and to look for patterns in this data. The letters PQE stand for pattern, quantify and exceptions. Read through this website to learn how to use this method.

Everyone around the globe relies on natural resources to support their lives as well as their local and national economies. However, not all communities have access to the same kinds of resources in the same amounts. Many natural resources that are very common in one part of the world are almost nonexistent in others. For instance, while many countries have systems in place to treat and distribute clean drinking water, in many other countries around the globe, communities may only have access to untreated or contaminated water. Understanding the distribution of resources around the world helps us understand regional and global economies, and helps us think critically about how to make sure that all communities have the resources they need to thrive. Explore patterns of resource distribution with this curated collection.