key geographic concepts Flashcards
change
dynamic geographical phenomena. Change can occur at varying rates, at different times, over varying durations, and at different scales
distance
absolute or linear distance [km,m]. Relative distance [eg. length of time it takes to travel from one location to another, costs or convinience]. Psychological distance [perception of distance]. Cultural distance[degree of similarity or difference in attitudes or social norms.
distribution
the arrangement of phenomena in a space or time
movement
movement is the change or expansion in location of one or more phenomena from its original location to a new location
place
places are parts of earths surface that are identified and given meaning by people
process
a process is an identifiable series of actions or steps leading to change or preservation of phenomena
region
region is an definable area of earths surface that contains one or more common characteristics that distinguish it from neighbouring areas
scale
scale has two related meanings in geography
Map scale = relationship between measurements on a map and the actual measurements on the ground
observational scale = conceptual and refers to the relative size of phenomena and to the size of the area - local, regional, national, international, global
spatial assoication
is the degree to which two or more phenomena are similarly arranged over space
sustainability
the capacity of the environment to continue to support life
environment
refers to the world around us. It comprises the interconnected living and non-living physical elements of the earths surface and atmosphere as well as human made feautures and the human conditions of a place
interconnection
this concept emphasises that all places and environments are interconnected in some way and that they do not exist in isolation
