Unit 1: Thinking geographically Flashcards
What are Maps?
A two dimensional model of the earths surface, or a portion of it
What are the two purposes of maps
a. Reference tools
b. Communication tools
Cartography
The science of mapmaking
Remote sensing
Capturing images of the earths surface from airborne platforms
Global Positioning System (GPS)
Satellite navigation system
Geographic Information System (GIS)
Computer system that captures, stores, analyzes, and displays geographic data
Layers
Types of information displayed in a map
Mashups
Practice of combining layers on a map
Qualitive Data
Data associated with a humanistic approach to geography
Quantitative Data
Data associated with mathematical models and statistical techniques
Latitude
Distance north/south of the equator
Longitude
Distance east/west of the prime meridian
Map Key/Legend
Inset on a map explaining what the symbols used represent and the scale of the map
Map scale
Ratio between the size of things in the real world at the size of things on the map
Toponym
Name given to a place on earth
Relative Location
Description of where something is in relation to other things
Absolute Location
Precise place where something is found using coordinates
Relative Distance
Distance between two points, measured using metrics like time, effort, or cost
Absolute Distance
Distance between two points communicated using precise quantitative units of measurement
Relative Direction
Direction based on a persons surroundings and perception
Absolute Direction
Direction according to a compass
Density
how often or how much something occurs within a space
Distribution
Where something occurs within a space
Clustered
High level of density, low level of distribution
Disperesed
Low level of density due to high level of distribution
Distance Decay
Theory that the interaction between two places decease as the distance between them increases
Time-Space Compression
Reduction in the time it takes to diffuse something to a distant place
Reference maps
Designed for people to refer to for general information about places
Thematic maps
Show spatial aspects of information
What maps are thematic maps?
Choropleth, dot distribution, graduated symbol, isoline, cartograms
Political Map (reference map)
Show human-created boundaries and designations such as countries, states, cities, and capitals
physical Maps(Reference map)
Show natural features
Road Maps(reference map)
Show highways, streets, and alleys
plot maps(reference map)
Show property lines and detail of land owndership
Choropleth Maps
Use colors or shades to show the location and distribution of spatial data
Dot Distribution Maps
Shows specific location and distribution of something with each dot representing a specific quantity
Graduated Symbol Maps
Uses symbols of different sizes to indicate different amounts of something
Isoline maps
Use lines to connect points of equal value to depict variations in data. Distance between lines indicates change
Topographic Maps
A type of isoline map showing points of elevation
Cartogram Map
Maps where the sizes of places are shown according to some specific statistic
What is a map projection?
Process of depicting a curved globe on a flat surface
What’s the purpose of a Mercator map?
Navigation
What are the strengths and distortions of a Mercator map?
Strengths: Direction and shape accuracy near the equator
Distortion: Size of land masses
What’s the purpose of a peters Map?
Illustrating spatial distribution
What are the strengths and distortions of a peters map?
Strengths: Size of land masses are accurate
Distortions: Shape of land masses are inaccurate
What’s the purpose of a Conic map?
Regional mapping
What are the strengths and distortions of a Conic map?
Strengths: Size and shape are close to reality
Distortions: Longitude lines converge at only one pole
What’s the purpose of a Robinson Map?
General Use
What are the strengths and distortions of a Robinson Map?
Strengths: No glaring distortion, oval shape appears more like a globe
Weaknesses: Area, shape, size, direction all are slightly distorted
What is Regionalization?
Process geographers use to divide and categorize space into smaller units
What is a region?
An area defined by one or more common and distinctive traits, characteristics, or features that make it different from surrounding areas
Formal region(Uniform)
Region defined by one or more shared characteristics
Functional(Nodal)
Region organized around a node/focal point
Hinterland “country behind”
Term that applies to the surrounding area served by an urban center. The center is focused on goods and services the hinterland produces
Perceptual(Vernacular)
Area that people believe exists as part of their cultural identity
Mental maps
Maps that people create in their own minds based on their own experience and knowledge
Site
Physical characteristics of a place
Situation
Location of a place relative to another place and it’s connectivity.
