Chapter 2 | Geographic Inquiry: Data, Tools, and Technology

Quantitative

Involving data that can be measured by numbers

Qualitative

Involving data that is descriptive of a research subject and is often based on people's opinions.

Census

An official count of the number of people in a defined area, such as a state

Geographic information system (GIS)

A computer system that allows for the collection, organization, and display of geographic data for analysis.

Topography

The representation of earth's surface to show natural and man-made features, especially their relative positions and elevations.

Remote sensing

A method of collecting or analyzing data from a location without making physical contact

Global positioning system (GPS)

A network of satellites that orbit Earth and transmit location data to receivers, enabling users to pinpoint their exact location

Cartographer

A person who creates maps

Absolute distance

Distance that can be measured using a standard unit of length

Relative distance

Distance determined in relation to other places or objects

Absolute direction

The cardinal directions north, south, east, and west

Relative direction

Direction based on a person's perception, such as left, right, up, or down

Map scale

The relationship of the size of the map to the size of the area it represents on Earth's surface

Reference map

A map that focuses on the location of places

Thematic map

Any map that focuses on one or more variables to show a relationship between geographic data