Geographic Concepts and Vocabulary

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering essential geographic terms and concepts.

Absolute location

The exact position of a point on the Earth’s surface, usually expressed in latitude and longitude.

Relative location

The position of a place in relation to another place.

Population density

The number of people living per unit of area, typically expressed as people per square kilometer (km²).

Time-space compression

The process by which the perceived distance between places decreases due to technological advancements.

Diffusion

The process by which a phenomenon, such as cultural practices or technology, spreads from one area to another.

GIS (Geographic Information System)

A framework for gathering, managing, and analyzing spatial and geographic data.

Quantitative data

Data that can be quantified and verified, often expressed in numbers.

Qualitative data

Data that captures descriptive information and characteristics that cannot be easily quantified.

Cultural landscape

The visible outcomes of the interactions between human beings and their environment.

Malthusian Theory

A theory proposed by Thomas Malthus that suggests population growth will outpace food production, leading to scarcity.

Dependency ratio

A measure of the number of dependents, aged zero to 14 and over the age of 65, to the total population, typically expressed as a ratio to the working-age population.

Urbanization

The process by which an increasing percentage of a population comes to live in urban areas.

Gentrification

The process of transforming urban areas by increasing investment and attracting wealthier residents, often displacing lower-income families.

Supranational Organizations

Entities formed by three or more nations to promote economic, political, or social cooperation among member states.