Unit 1 Flashcards
Political Map
Reference map, Shows human created boundaries (ex. countries, states, cities, capitals etc.)
Locator Map
Reference map, Illustrations in books to shows specific locations found in the text. (Narnia, Treasure map)
Isoline map
Thematic map, Uses lines to connect points of equal value to show variations of data.
- distance between lines shows change.
Cartogram
Thematic map, Shows the size of an area according to a specific statistic.
Choropleth map
Thematic map, Uses colors, shades, or patterns to show location + distribution of spatial data.
Dot Distribution map
Thematic map, Uses dots to show location and distribution of something. Amount of dots represent different quantities.
Graduated Symbol map
Thematic map, Uses different symbols of different sizes to show different amounts of something. Bigger symbol= more, Smaller symbol= less.
Road map
Reference map, Shows streets, alleys, highways.
Physical map
Reference map, Shows natural geographic features; rivers, lakes, mountains, deserts etc.
Plat map
Reference map, Shows property line and landownership.
Reference maps
Maps that show general information
Thematic maps
Map that shows patterns of a particular subject matter (theme) in a geographic area.
Qualitative Data
Geographic data collected with a humanistic approach. (ex. polls, surveys, interviews)
Quantitative Data
Geographic data that can be recorded and measured in numbers.(ex. statistics, graphs, population)
Map projection
Depicting a curved globe on a flat surface.
Mercator projection
Purpose- navigation, pros-accurate direction and shapes, cons- size of land masses.
Peters projection
Purpose- size(spatial distribution), pros- accurate land size, cons-inaccurate shape of land.
Conic projection
Purpose- regional mapping, pros- size and shape are close to reality, cons- direction is not constant.
Robinson projection
Purpose- general use, pros- no glare distortion + oval shape resembles globe, cons-size, shape, distance, direction.
Absolute location
The precise place where something is found.
Relative location
Description of where something is in relation to the surrounding area.
Absolute direction
Directions according to a compass .
Relative direction
directions based on a person’s surroundings and perception.
Density
how often or how much something occurs in a space.
Distribution
where something occurs within a space.
Clustering
High level of density and low level of distribution.
Dispersal
Low level of density and high level of distribution.
Distance Decay
The theory that the interaction between two places decrease as distance increases between them.
Time-Space Compression
the reduction in time it takes to disperse/transport goods + people to a distant place due to advancements in technology and communication.
Field Observation
recording first-hand information about a place, location or region based off of physically visiting.
Spatial Data
Information that can be directly tied to a specific location.
GIS
Geographical Information System- Computer system used to collect, analyze and display geographic information. Used for tracking and managing data.
GPS
Geographic Positioning System- Determining the precise location of something through satellites. Used for tracking and navigation.
Remote Sensing
gathering information about earth’s surface using satellites above the earth’s atmosphere.
Space
area between two phenomena or things.
Place
specific human and physical traits of a region.
Region
Two or more places in the same area which share the same characteristic(s).
Flows
movement or patterns of people, goods, ideas and other phenomena.
Patterns
General arrangement of things being studied by geographers.
Census
Formal count of people in the U.S. (taken every 10 years). The Census collects data across a variety of demographics for officials to make informed decisions about how and where is best to allocate government funds.
Human-environment interaction
the connection and exchange between humans and the natural world.
Formal region
defined by official boundaries. (ex. countries, states, counties, climate, landforms, economy)
Functional region
Defined by a “node” or “hub”- where an activity originates and how far it reaches. (ex. delivery areas, amenities, pub school districts, Hinterland- country behind an area served by an urban center)
Perceptual region
AKA a “vernacular” region, defined by belief and cultural identity. (ex. mental maps, the middle east)
Regions can be…
contested, overlapping, transitional
Natural Resources
Items that occur in the natural environment that are used by humans.
Sustainability
Resources used in a way that ensures its availability for future generations.
Environmental determinism
The environmental factors of an area play the strongest role in societal development and culture.
Possibilism
Human culture is based on social conditions rather than the environment. Humans evolve beyond nature and are more dependent on technology and inventions/innovations.
Global
shows entire world.
Regional
shows multiple countries in the same area.
National
shows individual countries.
Local
sub-national, provinces, cities, states, counties.
Travel Narratives
notes taken about the culture and physical features observed during a field observation
Field Observations
recording first-hand information about a location place or region by physically visiting.
Media Reports
written and published accounts of field observations
Personal Interviews
face-to face interaction between interviewer and respondent
Government documents
official written statements by governments outlining their plans regarding a specific issue, like environmental protection, population control, or economic development.
Photographic interpretation
examining (aerial) images for the purpose of identifying objects and judging for their significance.
