HGAP unit 1

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to geographic data and interpretation.

Absolute Distance

The measurable distance between two locations in units such as inches, feet, miles, or kilometers.

Relative Distance

A measure of social, cultural, or political differences or similarities between two locations that cannot be depicted on maps.

Absolute Direction

Indicates the cardinal directions: north, south, east, and west.

Relative Direction

Describes the location of one thing in relation to another, such as 'down to Atlanta'.

Clustering

Refers to phenomena that are close together in an area.

Dispersal

Refers to phenomena that are spread out over a larger area.

Map Distortion

The inevitable inaccuracies that occur when representing a three-dimensional Earth on a two-dimensional map.

Mercator Projection

A map projection where latitude and longitude lines meet at right angles, maintaining true direction but distorting landmasses away from the equator.

Peter's Projection

A map projection that accurately depicts the size of landmasses but distorts their shapes.

Robinson Projection

A compromise map projection that aims for a balance of accuracy and visual appeal by distributing distortion evenly.

Quantitative Data

Data based on numerical measurements and counting.

Qualitative Data

Data based on descriptive characteristics and qualities.

Geospatial Technology

Technology, including hardware and software, used to examine and measure geographical features.

GIS (Geographic Information System)

Software that manipulates geospatial data for research and decision-making.

Remote Sensors

Technology that gathers information through satellite imagery.

Distance Decay

The principle that states the further apart two things are, the less they are connected.

Time-Space Compression

The concept that increased connectivity reduces the perceived distance between places, making travel and communication faster.

Environmental Determinism

A theory suggesting that the physical environment shapes cultures and human behavior.

Possibilism

The theory that humans are the primary drivers in shaping their culture, with the environment providing possibilities rather than limitations.

Formal Region

A geographical area defined by common traits such as language, religion, or economic characteristics.

Functional Region

A region organized around a single node or focal point, often defined by a shared function.

Perceptual Region

A region defined by people's shared beliefs and feelings, often based on cultural identity.