HUGAP Unit One Vocab

Spatial Models

Simplified maps and show theories about spatial distribution; distribution of cities, stores, factories, etc.

Nonspatial Models

Show theories using words, graphs, and tables; show changes over time, not space.

Time-Distance Decay

Cities/countries closer together are more connected than places farther apart

Spatial Patterns

General arrangement of what is being studied; describes different spatial relationships using density, dispersion, clustered, scattered, etc.

Quantitative Data

Any data that can be measured using numbers.

Geospatial Data

Quantitative and spatial data that has a geographic location component, such as a ZIP code or longitude.

GIS (Geographic Information System)

Technology (computer-based) that stores, analyzes, and displays spatial/geographical data to reveal patterns.

Qualitative Data

Data not represented by numbers; includes interviews, photos, descriptions, and cartoons.

Scale of Analysis

How far you zoom into something, such as country level, city level, or world level.

Reference Maps

Designed for people who want to know general things about a place; can show political, physical, road, and topographic features.

Thematic Maps

Show spatial aspects of information; 4 main types.

Choropleth Maps

Use various colors/shades of one or more colors to show the location and distribution of spatial data; show rates or other quantitative data.

Dot Distribution Maps

Show the specific location and distribution of something; each dot represents a specified quantity and can use any symbols, not just dots.

Graduated Symbol Maps

Use symbols of different sizes to show different amounts of things; the map key shows the exact amount; also called proportional symbol maps.

Isoline/Isometric Maps

Lines that connect points of equal value; lines close together show rapid change, while lines farther apart show little change.

Topographic Maps

Points of equal elevation are connected, making contours.

Cartogram

Sizes of countries are shown based on some statistic, such as population.

Scale Ratio

between the size of things in the real world and the size of those things on a map; 3 types are cartographic scale, geographic scale, and scale of data.

Cartographic Scale

The relationship between what the map shows and what it represents in real life

Small-Scale

Map Shows a big area with less detail.

Large-Scale

Map Shows a small area with more detail.

Absolute Location

The precise spot where something is according to a system.

Prime Meridian

The pole-to-pole line that goes through Greenwich, England.

International Date

Line On the opposite side of the Prime Meridian; creates differences in dates and is used for international boundaries.

Relative Location

Where something is in relation to other things; tied to connectivity and accessibility.

Connectivity

How 2 positions are connected by roads, transportation, or other links.

Accessibility

How easily people in one location can interact with or reach another.

Absolute Distance

Distance measured in feet, miles, meters, etc.

Relative Distance

Determines how far something feels based on time, cost, or effort; e.g. 10 minutes walking vs. 2 minutes by car.

Elevation

Distance above sea level, usually measured in feet or meters.

Clustered/Agglomerated

Phenomena arranged or clustered in a group; e.g. restaurants or a cluster of cities.

Linear Phenomena

arranged in a straight line; e.g. towns along a road.

Dispersed Phenomena

spread out; e.g. malls in a city.

Geometric Phenomena

in a regular arrangement; structured, predictable, and symmetrical.

Circular Phenomena

are equally spaced from a point, making a circle.

Random Phenomena

have no order; e.g. pet owners in a city.

Map Projection

The process of showing a curved surface on a flat one.

Landscape Analysis

Defining and describing landscapes.

Field Observation Physically visiting a location and recording firsthand information.

Spatial Data

All the information that can be tied to a specific location.

Remote Sensing

Gathering information from satellites.

Aerial Photography

Professional photos taken from planes in the atmosphere.

Interpreting Data

The data that has been gathered needs to be interpreted.

Geospatial Data

Can be qualitative or quantitative; includes all information that can be tied to a specific place.

Census

Count of the population.

Online Mapping

Creating/viewing geospatial data through web tools such as GIS or GPS.

Geovisualizations

2D or 3D interactive maps where you can zoom into data in different ways.

GPS (Global Positioning System)

GPS receivers use satellites to determine location.

GPS Uses

Used for borders, navigating ships, cars, aircraft, and mapping lines/points.

GIS (Geographic Information Systems)

Computer system that can store, analyze, and display information from different maps or geospatial data sets.

GIS Uses

Used to analyze crime data, effects of pollution, urban planning, and transportation time.

Built Environment

All human-made physical surroundings, such as buildings and roads.

Census Data

Data collected by the government about population and housing at regular intervals.

Cultural Landscape

The visible imprint of human culture on the physical environment.

Environmental Determinism

The theory that the physical environment has a direct impact on how human societies develop, shape cultures, and political/economic systems.

Formal Region

A region characterized by uniformity in one or more physical traits.

Functional Region

An area organized around a central node, such as an airport or radio station.

Perceptual Region

An area defined by shared beliefs or cultural identity; not measurable by data.

Friction of Distance

The farther apart things are, the more time and money it takes for them to interact.

Satellite Navigation

System Uses signals from satellites to determine location.

Time-Space Compression

Advances in transportation and communication make things feel closer together.

Possibilism

The environment gives opportunities, but it is human choice how to use them.

Sequent Occupance

Cultural imprints from multiple groups create a culturally layered landscape.

Site

The physical characteristics of a location.

Situation

The location of a place relative to the surrounding environment and other places.

Sustainability

Meeting present needs without compromising future needs.

Toponym

The name given to a geographic feature or place.