Geography Key Terms and Concepts

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to geography.

Cartogram

A map that distorts land areas to show the change of a value.

Choropleth

A map that uses different colors/shades to show the change of a value.

Dot Map

A map that uses the amount of dots to represent the value.

Graduated Symbol Map

A map that uses the size of a symbol to represent the value, where the size increases with the value.

Isoline

A map that uses lines to connect areas that share a particular value.

Absolute Distance

Distance that can be counted using a standard unit of measurement.

Relative Distance

Distance that cannot be counted using a standard unit of measurement, often imprecise.

Clustering

When similar people or items are grouped close together.

Dispersal

The spacing of people or items within geographic population barriers.

Elevation

The altitude of a place above sea level or ground.

Map Projections

Methods used to represent the world in 2D, which always distort spatial relationships.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Computer systems that visualize and analyze spatial patterns and relationships.

Remote Sensing

Monitoring physical characteristics of an area using remote-controlled technologies.

Spatial Information

Data that describes the distribution of people or phenomena in geographic space.

Sustainability

The focus on providing for society today without compromising future generations.

Demographic Transition Model (DTM)

A model that explains the transition of a country from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates.

Malthusian Theory

The theory that population growth will outpace food production, leading to famine.

Pro-natalist Policies

Government policies that encourage higher birth rates.

Anti-natalist Policies

Government policies that discourage higher birth rates.

Urbanization

The process of people moving from rural areas to urban areas.

Gentrification

The process of renovating and improving a neighborhood, often leading to the displacement of lower-income residents.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

The total value of goods produced within a country in a year.

Human Development Index (HDI)

A composite measure used to show spatial variation among states in levels of development.

Centripetal Force

Forces that promote unity and stability within a state.

Centrifugal Force

Forces that divide a state, leading to fragmentation and conflict.