Thematic map

Thematic Map

Shows data related to a specific theme or topic , showing patters or data rather than just locations

what kind of data does a thematic map show

Data related to a specific theme, like population, climate, income, resources, or disease

What is a reference map?

A map that shows general geographic information, like boundaries, cities, rivers, and roads, to help you locate places

What kind of data does a reference map show?

Geographic features and locations, such as countries, states, cities, mountains, rivers, and roads

When would a geographer use a reference map

To find locations, navigate, or, understand general geography of an area before analyzing specific data

What is a Choropleth map

a thematic map that uses shading or colors to show numbers, rates, or values across different areas

What kind of data does a choropleth Map show

Data measured by area, like population density, income levels, or percentage of people with internet.

When would a geographer use a choropleth map

to compare values across regions and see patterns or trends in geographic data

What is a graduated/proportional symbol map

A thematic map that uses symbols of different sizes to represent quantities for a specific location

What kind of data does a proportional symbol map show

data measured by quantity where the size of the symbol represents the amount

When would a geographer use a proportional symbol map

To visually compare amounts across different locations and see patterns in the data

What is a dot density map

A thematic map that uses dots to represent a specific number or quantity of something in a location

What kind of data does a dot density Map show

Data showing a frequency or count, where each dot represents a set number of items or occurrences

When would a geographer use a dot density map

To show how something is distributed across an area and identify patterns or clusters

What is a contour map

a map that uses lines/contours to show elevation or terrain (not weather)

What is an isoline map

a map that uses lines connecting points of equal value to show continuous data, like both elevation or weather

What is a weather map

a Map that uses lines (isoline) or colors to show continuous weather data, like temperature, rainfall, or air pressure

What is a topographic map

A general type of map that shows land features and elevation it also uses contour lines, so topographic maps are contour maps and a type of isoline map

What is a cartogram map

A map where the sizes of countries are shown according to a specific variable. Area is distorted to show a variable

What is a mercator map

A cylindrical map projection that shows the world with straight lines of latitude and longitude, often used for navigation

What does a mercator map preserve

Directon and shape- angles are accurate, so its good for navigation

What does a mercator map distort

Size and area- landmasses like Greenland compared to Africa appears much larger than it actually is s\

What is a mercator map best used for

Navigation and Route planning because compass directions are accurate

What is a Robinson map

A compromised map projection that shows the whole world with curved edges to reduce overall distortion

What does a Robinson map preserve

Balance of shape and size

What does a Robinson map distort

Some shapes, sizes, and distances, especially near the poles but less extremely than Mercator

What is a Robinson map best used for

World maps for visual reference and classrooms- it looks more realistic than Mercator and is good for general purposes

What is absolute location

The exact measurement such as address, longitude, and latitude

What is relative location

Relationship to another place, “next to my house”, between Nanlyn and Hatfield

What is friction of distance

The idea that the farther apart two places are, the harder or more costly it is to travel, communicate, or interact between them

What is distance decay

The concept that the interaction between two places decreases as the distance between them increases

What is time space compression

The idea that advances in technology and transportation make places feel “closer” because its faster and easier to travel, communicate, or exchange goods

What is spatial interaction

The movement and flows of people, goods, ideas, or information, between places.

What is site

The physical characteristics of a place, like land, water, soil, climate, or elevation

What is situation

The location of a place relative to other places, including accessibility, connections, and surrounding features

What is scale of analysis

The level at which a geographer examines data from local, regional, national to global

What is a clustered spatial patter

A pattern where objects or people are grouped closely togheter in a specific area

What is a dispersed spatial pattern

A pattern where objects or people are spread out evenly over a large area

What is relocation diffusion

When people move from one place to another and bring an idea culture, or innovation with them

What is Hierarchial diffusion

When an idea spreads from larger or more important places/people to smaller or less important ones

What is contagious diffusion

When an idea spreads rapidly and widely to nearby people or places, like a wave

What is stimulus diffusion

When an idea spreads, but is changed in the new place rather than exactly staying the same

What is GIS

Geographic Information System- a computer system that stores, analyzes, and displays geographic data like snap map

What is GPS

Global Positioning System- a satelite system that pinpoints exact locations

Remote sensing

The process of collecting data about earth from a distance, usually using satellite or drones, like for tracking hurricanes

What is environmental determinism

The idea that the physical environments shapes or determines human behavior and culture, sometimes limiting what humans can do

What is possibilism

The idea that the environment sets limits, but humans can use creativity and technology to choose different ways to respond

What is a formal region

An area where everyone shares a common characteristic, like language, climate, or government

What is a functional region?

An area organized around a central point or function, where surrounding areas are connected to that point

What is perceptual/vernacular region?

An area defined by peoples perceptions or feelings, based on cultural identity or stereotypes, not exact boundaries. ex- Middle East some include Egypt some don't .