ground, earth
—
地 centers on the solid surface underfoot: the ground or earth. It covers both the physical soil and the broader planet.
earth; ground; land; soil
area; region; district; locality
Earth; the globe
district; region; area; locality
earthquake
home area; home town
plot of land; lot; soil
base (military, expedition, etc.)
hell realm; Naraka
underground; below the ground
actual place; actual location; the spot; the scene; the field; (on) site
district; area; zone; quarter; section; region
map; atlas; chart; plan
above ground; on the ground; earth's surface
each place; every place; various places; all parts (of the country, world, etc.)
(social) position; status; standing
subway; metro; underground (railway)
plain; simple; subdued; sober
spot; point; place; position
ground; earth's surface
zone; area; belt; region
site; plot; lot; grounds
earth; ground; the solid earth; the (vast) land
place; room; margin; scope
地 combines 土 (earth, soil) with 也, which likely contributes the sound. The character expresses the ground or earth.
The left side is 土 (earth, soil), and the right side 也 looks like a snake or a twisting shape. Picture a snake slithering across the ground: 地 is the earth.
For チ, imagine a cheetah running across the ground: cheetah -> チ, and the earth shakes under its speed.