xgfchv Flashcards
absolute location
the precise point where a place is located on Earth
cartography
the science of making maps
geographic information system (GIS)
a computer system that stores, organizes, analyzes, and displays geographic data
latitude
Distance north or south of the equator
longitude
Distance east or west of the prime meridian, measured in degrees
prime meridian
Imaginary line drawn from the North Pole through Greenwich, England, to the South Pole
toponym
place name
distance decay
decline of activity or function with increasing distance from its point of origin
projection
The system used to transfer locations from Earth’s surface to a flat map.
diffusion
The process of spread of a feature or trend from one place to another over time
formal region
An area in which everyone shares in one or more distinctive characteristics
GPS
a system that determines accurately the precise position of something on Earth through satellites, tracking stations, and receivers
remote sensing
process of gathering data about Earth from instruments far above the planet’s surface
Reference Maps
Maps designed for people to refer to for general information about places
choropleth map (thematic)
uses various colors, shades of one color, or patterns to show the location and distribution of data
thematic map
a map that shows a particular theme, or topic ex: choropleth, dot distribution, graduated symbol, isoline
Dot Distribution Map
A map where dots are used to demonstrate the frequency or intensity of a particular phenomena
Cartogram (thematic)
A map in which the shape or size is distorted in order to demonstrate a variable such as travel, population or economic production
Mercator Projection
Mercator Projection
Robinson Projection
Projection that attempts to balance several possible projection errors. It does not maintain completely accurate area, shape, distance, or direction, but it minimizes errors in each.
Mental Map
maps that people create in their minds based on their experience and knowledge
Environmental Possibilism
viewpoint that people, not environments, are the dynamic forces of cultural development
Environmental Determinism
The belief that physical environment determines potential for societal development.
large-scale
Depicts a small area (such as downtown Phoenix) with great detail
small scale map
A map that shows a larger area without much detail
thematic maps
Maps that show information; the degree of some attribute or the movement of a geographic phenomenon
vernacular region
a region perceived and defined by its inhabitants, usually with a popularly given or accepted nickname; popular region
Functional Region
An area organized around a node or focal point
