UNIT 1 APHUG AP REVIEW

ABSOLUTE DISTANCE

A distance that can be measured with a standard unit of length, such as a mile or kilometer.

ABSOLUTE LOCATION

The exact position of an object or place, measured within the spatial coordinates of a grid system.

ACCESSIBILITY

The relative ease with which a destination may be reached from some other place.

AGGREGATION

To come together into a mass, sum, or whole.

AZIMUTHAL PROJECTION

A map projection in which the plane is the most developable surface.

BREAKING POINT

The outer edge of a city’s sphere of influence, describing the area of a city’s hinterlands dependent on that city.

CARTOGRAMS

A thematic map that transforms space so that the size of a region reflects a particular variable.

CARTOGRAPHY

The theory and practice of making visual representations of Earth’s surface.

CHOROPLETH MAP

A thematic map that uses colors or shading to represent data values per unit area.

COGNITIVE MAP

A mental image of a place that includes knowledge, perceptions, and preferences.

COMPLEMENTARITY

The relationship between two places, often referring to economic interactions.

CONNECTIVITY

The degree of connection between places (economic, social, cultural, or political).

CONTAGIOUS DIFFUSION

The spread of ideas or traits through direct contact.

COORDINATE SYSTEM

A grid of latitude and longitude used to determine absolute location.

CULTURAL ECOLOGY

The study of interactions between humans and the natural environment.

CULTURAL LANDSCAPE

The visible imprint of human activity on the landscape.

DISTANCE DECAY EFFECT

Interaction decreases as distance increases.

DOT MAPS

Maps that use dots to show exact locations of data.

ENVIRONMENTAL GEOGRAPHY

Study of human-environment interactions.

EXPANSION DIFFUSION

Spread of ideas outward while remaining strong at the origin.

FORMAL REGION

A region defined by uniform characteristics.

FRICTION OF DISTANCE

The effect distance has on interaction between places.

FULLER PROJECTION

A map projection that preserves size/shape but distorts direction.

FUNCTIONAL REGION

A region defined by a central node and interactions.

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS)

Computer systems used to store and analyze geographic data.

GEOGRAPHIC SCALE

The level at which a geographer analyzes space and place.

GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS)

Satellite system used to determine precise location.

GRAVITY MODEL

Predicts interaction based on population size and distance.

HIERARCHICAL DIFFUSION

Spread through power structures or hierarchy.

HUMAN GEOGRAPHY

Study of spatial patterns of human activity.

INTERNATIONAL DATE LINE

The line marking where each new day begins.

INTERVENING OPPORTUNITY

A closer alternative that reduces interaction with farther places.

ISOLINE

A line connecting points of equal value.

LARGE SCALE

Shows small areas with high detail.

LATITUDE

Angular distance north or south of the equator.

LAW OF RETAIL GRAVITATION

People are drawn to larger cities for services.

LOCATION CHART

A chart on a map showing statistical data about a place.

LONGITUDE

Angular distance east or west of the prime meridian.

MAP PROJECTION

Method of representing Earth on a flat surface.

MAP SCALE

Ratio between map distance and real-world distance.

MERCATOR PROJECTION

Projection that preserves direction but distorts size.

MERIDIAN

A north-south line of longitude.

NATURAL LANDSCAPE

Environment unaffected by humans.

NATURE-SOCIETY

Study of interactions between humans and environment.

PARALLEL

An east-west line of latitude.

W. D. PATTISON

Geographer who identified four traditions of geography.

PERCEPTUAL REGION

Region defined by people’s beliefs or perceptions.

PETERS PROJECTION

Equal-area projection centered on fairness of size.

PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY

Study of natural processes and features of Earth.

PREFERENCE MAP

A map showing personal preferences for locations.

PRIME MERIDIAN

0° longitude line through Greenwich, England.

PROJECTIONIST

Someone who creates map projections.

PROPORTIONAL SYMBOLS MAP

Map using symbols sized by data value.

PTOLEMY

Early geographer who used latitude and longitude systems.

QUALITATIVE DATA

Descriptive, non-numerical geographic data.

QUANTITATIVE DATA

Numerical data analyzed using statistics.

REFERENCE MAP

Map used for navigation and general information.

REGION

An area with shared characteristics.

REGIONAL GEOGRAPHY

Study of regions.

RELATIVE DISTANCE

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

RELATIVE LOCATION

A place’s position relative to others.

RELOCATION DIFFUSION

Spread of ideas through migration.

REMOTE SENSING

Collecting data using satellites or aircraft.

RESOLUTION

The smallest detail visible on a map.

ROBINSON PROJECTION

A compromise projection balancing distortions.

SAUER

Geographer who emphasized cultural landscapes.

SCALE OF ANALYSIS

The level at which data is studied.

SENSE OF PLACE

Emotional attachment to a location.

SITE

Physical characteristics of a location.

SITUATION

Location relative to surrounding places.

SMALL SCALE

Shows large areas with less detail.

SPATIAL DIFFUSION

Spread of ideas across space.

SPATIAL PERSPECTIVE

Viewing patterns based on location and relationships.

SUSTAINABILITY

Using resources without harming future generations.

THEMATIC LAYERS

Layers of data in GIS used for analysis.

THEMATIC MAP

Map showing a specific variable.

TIME-SPACE CONVERGENCE

Reduction in time it takes to connect places.

TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS

Maps showing elevation using isolines.

TRANSFERABILITY

Cost of moving goods.

VISUALIZATION

Creating interactive or digital maps using software.