Globe
A 3D representation of the Earth’s surface.
Projection
The process of transforming the Earth's 3D surface onto a 2D map.
Equal-Area Projection
A map projection that maintains accurate landmass sizes but distorts shapes and angles.
Conformal Projection
A map projection that preserves angles but distorts areas and sizes of landmasses.
General Reference Map
Shows shapes, physical features, and some political features.
Political Map
Displays political entities like counties and districts.
Topographic Map
Indicates elevation and is derived from the study of Earth's surface.
Thematic Map
Displays patterns and characteristics of an area, focusing on specific themes.
Choropleth Map
Uses colors to show density or frequency of a variable.
Isoline Map
Connects points of equal value with lines to create colored regions.
Dot Density Map
Uses dots to represent statistics or data on a map.
Graduated Symbol Map
Symbol size represents magnitude or frequency of data.
Cartogram
A distorted map used to convey a specific theme or data.
Environmental Determinism
Theory that the environment shapes human qualities.
Possibilism
Theory that humans can adapt to their environment.
Map Scale
Indicates the relationship between map units and real-world units.
Scales of Analysis
Refers to the level at which data is presented.
Density
Amount divided by space, often used in population studies.
Concentration
Describes how amounts tend to cluster, whether close or dispersed.
Pattern
Refers to the reason why amounts are clustered in a specific way.
Satellites
Pods above Earth's surface used to relay information like weather data.
Global Positioning System (GPS)
Utilizes satellites to create optimal routes on land and water.
Geographic Information System (GIS)
Merges statistical and geographic data to create maps.
Formal Region
A region with clear borders, like Puerto Rico.
Functional/Nodal Region
A region that serves a practical purpose.
Perceptual Region
A region whose boundaries are debated and vary based on cultural perspectives.
Relative Location
Location described in relation to another point.
Absolute Location
A precise location with specific measurements.
Relative Distance
Distance described relative to one's current location.
Absolute Distance
Objective length between two points that remains constant.
First Law of Geography
Closer entities are more related than distant ones.
Time-Space Compression
The concept that modernization allows for faster travel and communication.