Unit 1 - Thinking Geographically Flashcards
Applied Geography
Definition: The practical application of geographic principles to solve real-world problems. Example: Using geographic data to plan urban transportation systems.
Physical Geography
Definition: The study of natural features and processes of the Earth. Example: Examining how rivers shape landscapes.
Site
Definition: The physical characteristics of a place. Example: A city’s site might include its elevation and water access.
Sustainable Development
Definition: Development that meets present needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet their needs. Example: Building wind farms to generate renewable energy.
Human Geography
Definition: The study of human activities and their relationship to the environment. Example: Analyzing migration patterns.
Situation
Definition: A place’s location relative to other places. Example: Paris is centrally situated in France aiding its historical development.
Natural Resources
Definition: Materials found in nature that are used by humans. Example: Coal water and forests.
Space
Definition: The physical gap or interval between two objects. Example: The space between cities on a map.
Direction
Definition: The path along which something lies or moves. Example: North south east and west on a compass.
Environmental Determinism
Definition: The belief that the physical environment determines human behavior.
Spatial Perspective
Definition: Observing geographic phenomena to understand patterns and relationships. Example: Studying how urban development spreads across a region.
Distribution
Definition: The way something is spread out across space. Example: Mapping the global distribution of rainfall.
Possibilism
Definition: The theory that humans can adapt and modify the environment to overcome limitations. Example: Building irrigation systems in arid regions.
Place
Definition: A location with specific physical and human characteristics. Example: The cultural and architectural uniqueness of Venice.
Clustering
Definition: Objects or people grouping together in a specific area. Example: Technology companies clustering in Silicon Valley.
Local
Definition: Relating to a specific small geographic area. Example: Studying neighborhood demographics.
Flow
Definition: The movement of people goods or information. Example: Trade flows between countries.
Dispersal
Definition: The distribution of objects or people over a wide area. Example: The dispersal of settlements in rural areas.
National
Definition: Relating to a country as a whole. Example: A national map showing population density.
Distance Decay
Definition: The decrease in interaction between places as distance increases. Example: Fewer people travel from rural towns to distant cities.
Elevation
Definition: The height above sea level. Example: Denver’s elevation is 5 280 feet.
Region
Definition: An area defined by common characteristics. Example: The Midwest region of the United States.
Map Projection
Definition: A method of representing the curved surface of the Earth on a flat map. Example: The Mercator projection.
Formal Region
Definition: An area defined by one or more shared traits like language or climate. Example: The Sahara Desert is defined by its arid climate.
Time-Space Compression
Definition: The reduction of time it takes for people ideas or goods to travel due to technology. Example: The Internet allows instant communication worldwide.
Time-Space Convergence
Definition: The process of places becoming closer in travel time due to advances in transportation. Example: High-speed rail reducing travel times between cities.
Map Distortion
Definition: Inaccuracies in shape size or distance due to flattening the Earth. Example: Greenland appears larger on the Mercator projection.
Qualitative Data
Definition: Data that is descriptive and not numerical. Example: Observations about cultural practices.
Functional Region
Definition: An area organized around a central point (node). Example: The area served by a major airport.
Node
Definition: A central point where functions are coordinated. Example: A city center in an urban network.
Cartographer
Definition: A person who designs and creates maps. Example: Someone making topographic maps for hikers.
Quantitative Data
Definition: Data expressed in numerical terms. Example: Population statistics.
Perceptual/Vernacular Region
Definition: An area defined by subjective perceptions. Example: “The South” in the United States.
Map
Definition: A representation of the Earth’s surface. Example: A political map showing country borders.
Geospatial Technology
Definition: Tools used to collect and analyze spatial data. Example: Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Boundaries
Definition: Dividing lines between regions or areas. Example: National borders.
Mental Map
Definition: A person’s internal representation of spatial relationships. Example: Knowing how to navigate your hometown.
Global Positioning System (GPS)
Definition: A satellite-based system for determining precise locations. Example: Using GPS for driving directions.
Globalization
Definition: The increasing interconnectedness of the world. Example: International trade and cultural exchange.
Map Scale
Definition: The ratio between map distances and real-world distances. Example: A 1:100 000 scale map.
Model
Definition: A simplified representation of reality to explain patterns or processes. Example: The demographic transition model.
Scales of Analysis
Definition: The levels at which data is studied (local national global). Example: Examining population trends globally versus locally.
Geographic Information System (GIS)
Definition: A computer system for storing and analyzing geographic data. Example: GIS mapping flood-prone areas.
Theory
Definition: A framework for explaining phenomena. Example: World Systems Theory explaining global economic inequality.
Reference Map
Definition: A map showing physical and political features. Example: A road map.
World Systems Theory
Definition: A theory that divides the world into core semi-periphery and periphery. Example: Core countries dominate trade; periphery countries provide resources.
Thematic Map
Definition: A map that focuses on a specific theme or variable. Example: A map showing global population density.
Topography
Definition: The study of surface shapes and features. Example: Mapping mountain ranges and valleys.
Core
Definition: Wealthy developed regions with significant global influence. Example: Western Europe and the United States.
Isoline Map
Definition: A map with lines connecting points of equal value. Example: A weather map showing temperature gradients.
Satellite Navigation
Definition: Using satellites to determine precise locations. Example: GPS systems in smartphones.
Semi-Periphery
Definition: Countries between core and periphery in development. Example: Brazil and India.
Graduated Symbol Map
Definition: A map with symbols varying in size to represent data. Example: Larger circles for higher population densities.
Satellite Imagery
Definition: Images of Earth captured by satellites. Example: NASA’s satellite photos of deforestation.
Periphery
Definition: Less developed regions dependent on core countries. Example: Sub-Saharan Africa.
Cartogram
Definition: A map distorted to represent data. Example: A cartogram showing countries resized by population.
Remote Sensing
Definition: Collecting data about Earth from a distance usually satellites. Example: Monitoring urban sprawl.
Toponym
Definition: The name of a place. Example: New York City.
Dot Density Map
Definition: A map where dots represent a specific quantity. Example: Dots showing population density.
Online Mapping
Definition: Mapping using digital tools and the Internet. Example: Google Maps.
ESPen
Definition: Acronym for Economic Social Political and Environmental factors. Example: Using ESPeN to analyze urban development.
Choropleth Map
Definition: A map shaded to represent data intensity. Example: A map showing income levels by region.
Census
Definition: A count of a population and its characteristics. Example: The U.S. Census conducted every 10 years.
Absolute Distance
Definition: The physical measurement between two points. Example: 500 miles between New York and Boston.
Sustainability
Definition: The ability to maintain ecological and social systems over time. Example: Using renewable energy to reduce carbon emissions.
Relative Distance
Definition: Distance measured in terms of cost or time. Example: A 30-minute commute to work.
Diversity
Definition: The variety of different elements in an area. Example: Cultural diversity in urban neighborhoods.
Absolute Location
Definition: A precise geographic position using coordinates. Example: 40°N 74°W for New York City.
Relative Location
Definition: A location described by its relation to other places. Example: Chicago is west of Lake Michigan.
