Carl O. Sauer

Carl O. Sauer was an American geographer influential in developing cultural geography in the early to mid-20th century. He emphasized the relationship between people and their environment, arguing that human activities shape landscapes. Sauer introduced concepts like “cultural landscapes,” which are areas transformed by human processes. His work highlighted how culture, agriculture, and urban development interact with geography, helping to understand regional differences. Sauer's ideas encouraged a holistic view of the environment, integrating social, economic, and ecological factors, and influenced fields such as urban planning, environmental studies, and landscape preservation.