Introduction to Maps and Geographic Data

Vocabulary flashcards covering core map concepts, geographic data, and tools defined in the lecture transcript.

Map

A visual representation of an area of land or sea.

Cartographer

A person who makes maps.

Data aggregation

Gathering and grouping small pieces of data into a single summary.

Spatial perspective

A way of looking at human and physical features in terms of their location and arrangement.

Spatial pattern

The physical arrangement of objects or features across Earth's surface.

Clustered

Grouped closely together in one area.

Dispersed

Spread out over a wide area.

Random

Spread out with no clear order or predictable arrangement.

Time-distance decay

The idea that connection and interaction between places decrease as the distance or travel time between them increases.

Map symbols

Small pictures, colors, or icons used on a map to represent real-world features.

Legend

A small box on a map that explains what each symbol means.

Absolute direction

A fixed, directional heading based on cardinal directions (North, South, East, West).

Map scale

The ratio between the distance on a map and the actual distance on the ground.

Absolute distance

The exact physical measurement of space between two points, like miles or kilometers.

Relative distance

How far two places feel from each other based on travel time, cost, or convenience.

Elevation

The height of a specific point of land above sea level.

Isoline

A line on a map that connects points, and lines of equal value (such as temperature or elevation).

Topographic map

A map that uses contour lines to show the elevation and physical shape of the land.

Reference map

A general-purpose map that shows locations of places, boundaries, and physical features like rivers and roads.

Thematic map

A map designed to show a particular theme or specific type of data connected to a specific area.

Choropleth map

A thematic map that uses colors, shades, or patterns to show data values across different regions.

Cartogram

A map where the actual geographic size of an area is altered to reflect a specific data value instead of land area.

Graduated symbol map

A map that uses symbols of different sizes to show varying quantities of an attribute.

Dot distribution map

A map that uses dots to show the spatial distribution and frequency of a specific feature.

Map projection

A method used to display the round, 3D surface of the Earth onto a flat 2D map.

Mercator projection

A cylindrical map projection that keeps shapes accurate but greatly distorts the size of landmasses near the poles.

Gall-Peters projection

An equal-area map projection that shows the correct relative sizes of landmasses but stretches their shapes.

Polar projection

A map projection centered tightly on the North or South Pole.

Goode homolosine projection

An equal-area, interrupted map projection that minimizes distortion across landmasses by splitting the oceans.

Robinson projection

A map projection that balances size and shape distortion to create a visually pleasing, realistic-looking world map.

Distortion (SADD)

The unavoidable changes to Shape, Area, Distance, or Direction that happen when flattening a 3D globe onto a 2D surface.

Census

An official, periodic count of a population along with demographic details.

Fieldwork

Collecting raw data by going out and observing the real world firsthand.

Absolute location

The precise position of a place on Earth using a coordinate system like latitude and longitude.

Latitude

Imaginary lines measuring distance north or south of the equator.

Equator

The main line of latitude at 0 degrees, dividing Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

Longitude

Imaginary lines measuring distance east or west of the prime meridian.

Prime meridian

The main line of longitude at 0 degrees, passing through Greenwich, England.

Global Positioning System (GPS)

A receiver-based technology that uses a network of space satellites to pinpoint exact location coordinates on Earth.

Geographic Information System (GIS)

Computer hardware and software used to capture, store, analyze, and map complex geographic data.

Remote sensing

Gathering scientific data about Earth's surface from a distance using airborne or space-based sensors.

Aerial photography

Taking photographs of the ground from an elevated position like an airplane, drone, or helicopter.

Satellite imagery

Digital images of Earth captured by satellites orbiting in space.