Unit 1: Basic Concepts Flashcards
Cartography
The science of mapmaking; cartographer backpack is used for indoor mapping.
Map Scale
Refers to the relationship of the feature's size on the map to its actual size and earth; alters the level of detail and the amount of area covered on a map Presented in 3 ways: 1. Ratio/fraction 2. Written scale 3. Graphic scale
Global Positioning System (GPS)
A system that determines the precise position of something on earth through series of satellites, tracking stations, and receivers
Geographic Information System (GIS)
A computer system the stores, organizes, analyzes, and displays geographic data.
Remote Sensing
The acquisition of data about earth’s surface from a satellite orbiting the planet or from other long-distance methods
Geographic Information Science (GIScience)
The development and analysis of data about Earth acquired through satellite and other electronic information technologies
International Date Line
An arc that for the most part follows 180° longitude, although it deviates in several places to avoid dividing land areas. The clock moves backwards 24 hours from passing it heading east. When crossing it heading west, the calendar moves forward one whole day.
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
The time in the zone encompassing the prime meridian or 0° longitude.
Latitude
The numbering system used to indicate the location of parallels drawn on a globe and measuring distance north and south of the equator
Parallel
A circle drawn around the globe parallel to the equator and at right angles to the meridians
Prime Meridian
The Meridian, designated as 0° longitude, that passes through the Royal Observatory at Greenwich, England
Longitude
The numbering system used indicate the location of meridians drawn on a globe and measuring distance east and west of the prime meridian
Meridian
An arc drawn between the north and south poles
Projection (and distortion)
The scientific method of transferring locations earth surface to a flat map. 4 types of distortion: 1. Shape 2. Distance 3. Relative size 4. Direction
Place
A specific point in earth distinguished by a particular characteristic
Location
The position of anything on earths surface
Toponym
The name given to a portion of earths surface
Site
Physical character of a place
Situation
The location of a place relative to another place
Region
An area distinguished by a unique combination of trends or features
Cultural Landscape
The fashioning of a natural landscape cultural group
Regional Studies
Any approach to geography that emphasizes the relationships among social and physical phenomena in a particular study area
Formal Region (uniform region)
An area in which everyone shares in common one or more distinctive characteristics
Functional Region (nodal region)
An area organized around a node or focal point
Vernacular Region(perceptual region)
An area that people believe exists as a part of their cultural identity
Mental Map
A representation of a portion of earths surface based on what an individual knows about a place, containing personal impressions of what is in the place and where the place is located
Culture
The body of customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits that together constitute the group’s distinct tradition
2 meanings:
1. To care about
2. To take care of
Map
A two-dimensional or flat-scale model of Earth’s surface, or part of it.
Serves 2 purposes:
1. A reference tool
2. A communications tool
Globalization
Actions or processes that involve the entire world and result in making something worldwide in scope
Housing Bubble
A rapid increase in the value of houses followed by a sharp decline in their value
Transnational corporation
A company that conducts research, operates factories, and sells products in many countries, not just where it’s headquarters or shareholders are located
Space
The physical gap or interval between two objects
Density
The frequency with which something exists within a given unit of area (# and area)
Concentration
The spread of something over a given area
- Clustered (highly concentrated
- Dispersed (low concentration)
Pattern
The geometric or regular arrangement of something in a study area
Two types:
1. Geometric
2. Irregular
Connection
Relationships among people and objects across the barrier of space
Hearth
The region from which innovative ideas originate (then diffuses)
Diffusion
The process of spread of a feature or trend from one place to another overtime
2 types:
1. Relocation diffusion
2. Expansion diffusion (hierarchical, contagious, and stimulus)
Expansion Diffusion
The spread of a feature or trend among people from one area to another in an additive process
Relocation Diffusion
The spread of a feature or trend through bodily movement of people from one place to another
Hierarchical Diffusion
The spread of a feature or trend from one key person or node of authority or power to other persons/places
Contagious Diffusion
The rapid, widespread diffusion of a feature or trend throughout population
Stimulus Diffusion
The spread of an underlying principle even though specific characteristic is rejected
Distance Decay
The diminishing in importance and eventual disappearance of a phenomenon with increasing distance from its origin
Space-Time Compression
Reduction in the time it takes to diffuse something to a distant place as a result of improved communications and transportation systems
Network
A chain of communication that connects places
Uneven Development
The increasing gap and economic conditions between core and periphal regions as a result of globalization of the economy
