AP Hug Unit 1 Vocab

Flashcards for Geography Vocabulary

Map

A two-dimensional (flat) representation of a geographic area or place; Organized information about a place; Geographic example drawing.

Reference Map

A map showing geographic features for general reference.

Thematic Map

A map that emphasizes a particular theme or subject area.

Absolute Distance

The exact measurement of the physical space between two places.

Absolute Direction

The cardinal directions of North, South, East, and West.

Relative Distance

Distance described in relation to something else or non-standard units.

Relative Direction

Direction described in relation to a person's perspective or landmark.

Elevation

The height of a geographic location above or below a fixed reference point.

Map Projection

A systematic transformation of the latitudes and longitudes of locations from the surface of a sphere or an ellipsoid into locations on a plane.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

A system designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present spatial or geographic data.

Global Positioning System (GPS)

A satellite-based radionavigation system owned by the United States government and operated by the United States Space Force

Remote Sensing

The acquisition of information about an object or phenomenon without making physical contact with the object.

Census Data

Systematic process of recording information about the members of a given population.

Land Use

The human use of land, involving the management and modification of natural environment or wilderness into built environment such as settlements and semi-natural habitats such as pasture.

Environmental Determinism

The idea that the natural environment shapes and controls human activities.

Possibilism

The theory that the environment sets certain constraints or limitations, but culture is otherwise determined by social conditions.

Satellite Imagery

Images of Earth collected by satellites.

Absolute Location

The precise spot where something is according to a system.

Space

The physical gap or interval between two objects.

Place

A specific point on Earth, distinguished by human characteristics.

Flows

The movement of people, goods, capital, information, and other things between places.

Time-Distance Decay

The declining degree of acceptance of an idea or innovation with increasing time and distance from its origin.

Time-Space Compression

The reduction in the time it takes to diffuse something to a distant place as a result of improved communications and transportation systems.

Relative Location

The position of a place or entity based on its location with respect to other locations.

Cultural Landscape

The visible imprint of human activity and culture on the landscape.

Sustainability

A principle of development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Natural Resources

Materials or substances such as minerals, forests, water, and fertile land that occur in nature and can be used for economic gain.

Global Scale

Observing phenomena that occur worldwide.

Regional Scale

Observing phenomena that occur within a region.

National Scale

Observing phenomena that occur within a nation.

Local Scale

Observing phenomena that occur within a local area.

Formal Region

An area inhabited by people who have one or more traits in common.

Functional Region

Sometimes called a nodal region, is organized around a node or focal point.

Perceptual/Vernacular Region

An area that people believe exists as part of their cultural identity.

Border Zone

An area where the attributes of two regions overlap.

Sense of Place

State of mind derived through the infusion of a place with meaning and emotion by remembering important events that occurred in that place or by labeling a place with a certain character.