Final answer:
The Greeks were the first to define geography as a study, with figures like Herodotus and Ptolemy making significant contributions to the field. The term 'geography' itself derives from the Greek word 'geographia.'
Step-by-step explanation:
The first cultural group to truly define geography as a study were the Greeks. While many early human societies made some form of maps, it was the Greeks, particularly notable figures like Herodotus and Ptolemy, who rigorously explored and categorized the world around them in a systematic manner. They are known for their significant contributions to geography, and the word "geography" itself comes from the Greek word "geographia," which means "earth description."
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