HUMAN GEO VOCAB 1

Geography

The study of the reasons why things are located where they are on the earth's surface.

Maps

Tools used to represent and identify spatial patterns and processes at different scales.

Large scale

A map that covers a smaller area with more detail.

Small scale

A map that covers a larger area with less detail.

Map Projection

The method of transferring a 3D object, like a globe, onto a 2D flat plane, such as a paper map.

Distortion

Changes in size, shape, direction, or distance when representing a 3D object on a 2D map.

Spatial Pattern

The distribution of a phenomenon over an area, characterized by density, concentration, cluster, and dispersal.

Density

The frequency of an object in a given area.

Concentration

The extent to which objects are close together in an area.

Cluster

A pattern where objects are located close together.

Dispersal

A pattern where objects are spread apart in an area.

Elevation

The height of a location above sea level.

US Census

A constitutionally mandated count of the population for representation and resource distribution.

Absolute Location

The precise location of a place defined by coordinates like latitude and longitude.

Relative Location

The position of a place in relation to another location.

Absolute Distance

The exact measurement of distance in units like miles or kilometers.

Relative Distance

Distance expressed in terms of time, effort, or cost.

Absolute Direction

The exact cardinal directions (North, East, South, West).

Relative Direction

Directions based on relationships, such as "turn left at Target."

Geospatial Technology

Tools like GPS and GIS that analyze spatial data.

Geographic Information System (GIS)

A system for storing and analyzing spatial data in multiple layers.

Landscape Analysis

The process of defining and describing land through observation and interpretation.

Space

The extent of an area.

Place

The attributes and values associated with a specific location.

Sense of Place

The unique factors that characterize a location.

Cultural Landscape

The human modification of the natural environment.

Placelessness

A location lacking unique features or a sense of place.

Toponym

The name of a place.

Site

The physical and human characteristics of a location.

Spatial Interaction

The connections and movements between different places.

Globalization

The increasing interconnectedness of the world and its people.

Distance Decay

The diminishing interaction between two places as the distance increases.

Time-Space Compression

The phenomenon that makes distant places feel closer due to technology and communication.

Distribution

The way a phenomenon is spread across an area.

Concentration

The clustering of objects in a specific area.

Dispersal

The scattering of objects across an area.

Human Environmental Interaction (HEI)

The relationship and exchanges between humans and their environment.

Cultural Ecology

The study of how humans adapt to their environment.

Environmental Determinism

The belief that the environment shapes human behavior and culture.

Possibilism

The idea that while the environment imposes limitations, human culture can adapt and modify it.

Map Scale Distance

The relationship between distance on a map and actual distance in the real world.

Scale of Analysis

The level at which data is aggregated (global, national, regional, local).

Scale of Inquiry

The specific area or topic being studied.

Regions

Areas defined by one or more unifying characteristics or patterns of activity.

Formal Region

An area with a unifying characteristic, often with defined borders.

Functional Region

An area organized around a central node or focal point.

Perceptual Region

A region defined by personal beliefs or perceptions.