Introduction to Geography, Maps, and Spatial Concepts

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing core geography terms, map projections, GIS tools, and global coordinate systems from the lecture notes.

Place

A specific point on Earth defined by unique characteristics.

Region

An area of Earth defined by one or more distinctive characteristics.

Scale

The relationship between the portion of Earth being studied and Earth as a whole.

Space

The physical gap or interval between two objects.

Connection

The relationship of how people and objects connect across space.

Cartography

The science of mapmaking.

Map

A two-dimensional (2D) or flat-scale model of Earth or a part of it, used as a reference, navigation, or communication tool.

Global Positioning System (GPS)

A system that can determine the precise location or position of something on Earth.

Geographic Information Science (GIScience)

The study of Earth through satellites and other electronic information systems.

Geographic Information System (GIS)

A system that connects data to maps and combines information from different systems.

Remote Sensing

The collection of data about Earth's surface from satellites or other distant methods.

Mashup

A tool or map feature that combines data from one system or source with another system.

Map Distortion

The inaccuracies introduced when representing the 3D Earth on a 2D flat map, affecting area shape, distance between points, relative size, or direction.

Equal Area Projection

A type of map projection that maintains relative area sizes but can distort shape and direction, making it harder to navigate.

Mercator Projection

A map projection where shape is barely distorted and direction is consistent, though land near the poles appears much larger.

Meridian

A line drawn between the North and South Poles representing longitude.

Parallel

A line drawn around the globe parallel to the equator representing latitude.

Prime Meridian

The line of longitude located at Greenwich, serving as the 0^\brac{^\text{o}} or 0^\brac{^\text{deg}} starting point for measuring longitude from 0^\brac{^\text{o}} to 180^\brac{^\text{o}} East or West.

Equator

The line of latitude at 0^\brac{^\text{o}} that serves as the starting point for measuring latitude from 0^\brac{^\text{o}} to 90^\brac{^\text{o}} North or South.

Latitude Lines

Scientifically derived lines parallel to the equator, formed based on Earth's shape and rotation, ranging from 0^\brac{^\text{o}} to 90^\brac{^\text{o}} North or South.

Longitude Lines

Man-made lines running between the North and South Poles, ranging from 0^\brac{^\text{o}} to 180^\brac{^\text{o}} East or West, used to calculate time.

Time Zones

The 24 global time divisions where every 15^\brac{^\text{o}} of longitude equals $1\text{ hour}$, though boundaries are pushed by some countries for convenience or tourism.