Chapter 1 Flashcards
The Great Circle Route
An imaginary line that follows the curve of the Earth and represents the shortest distance between two points
Map projection
A mathematical formula used to represent the curved surface of the Earth on the flat surface of the map.
Planar Projection
A map created by projecting an image of the Earth onto a geometric plane
Cylindrical Projection
A map created by projecting Earth’s image onto a cylinder
Conic Projection
A map created by projecting an image of Earth onto a cone placed over part of an Earth model
Absolute location
The EXACT position of a place on the Earth’s surface
Relative location
location in relation to other places
Elevation
The height of a land surface above the level of the sea
Thematic Map
A map that emphasizes a single idea or a particular kind of info about an area
Global Positioning System (GPS)
A navigational system that can determine absolute location by using satellites and receivers on Earth
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Computer programs that process and organize details about places on Earth and integrate those details with satellite images and other pieces of information
Remote Sensing
the science of obtaining information about an object or an area from a distance, typically from instruments in aircraft or satellites.
Spatial Perspective
A way of looking at the human and physical patterns on Earth and their relationships to one another
Formal region
A region defined by a common characteristic, such as the projection of a project
Functional region
A central place and the surrounding territory linked to it
Perceptual region
a region defined by popular feelings and images rather than by objective data
Cartographer
A person who draws or produces maps
Degrees (latitude and longitude)
Latitude (also called parallels): Runs East to West and measures the distances North and South of the Equator
Longitude(also called meridians): Runs North to South and measures the distances East and West of the Prime Meridian
What is political geography?
The branch of geography that deals with the boundaries, divisions, and possessions of countries