Unit 1.1

Spatial Patterns

Spatial Patterns

General arrangements of phenomena being studied and the processes that create them.

Maps

Essential tools for geographers that organize complex information and communicate spatial data effectively.

Reference Maps

Maps designed for general information about places, including political, physical, road, and plat maps.

Political Maps

Reference maps that show human-created boundaries and designations like countries and cities.

Physical Maps

Reference maps that display natural features such as mountains and rivers.

Thematic Maps

Maps that show spatial aspects of information or phenomena, highlighting specific themes or data.

Choropleth Maps

Thematic maps that use colors or patterns to represent the distribution of spatial data.

Dot Distribution Maps

Thematic maps that show specific locations and distributions of phenomena using dots or symbols.

Graduated Symbol Maps

Thematic maps that use varying symbol sizes to indicate different amounts of a phenomenon.

Isoline Maps

Maps that connect points of equal value, often used for elevation or weather data.

Cartograms

Maps that adjust the size of areas based on specific statistics, allowing for comparative analysis.

Scale

The ratio between the size of things in the real world and their representation on a map.

Cartographic Scale

The method of communicating the ratio of map size to real-world size, using words, ratios, or lines.

Absolute Location

The precise location of a place defined by a coordinate system, such as latitude and longitude.

Latitude

The distance north or south of the equator, measured in degrees.

Longitude

The distance east or west of the prime meridian, also measured in degrees.

Relative Location

A description of a place's location in relation to other places.

Direction

The way to describe the location of places relative to one another, using cardinal and intermediate directions.

Absolute Distance

The physical measurement of distance between two points, typically in miles or kilometers.

Relative Distance

The perceived distance based on time or cost, influenced by the mode of travel.

Elevation

The height of a location above sea level, affecting climate and agriculture.

Distribution

The arrangement of phenomena across an area, revealing patterns and relationships.

Clustered Distribution

A pattern where phenomena are concentrated in a specific area.

Linear Distribution

A pattern where phenomena are arranged in a straight line.

Dispersed Distribution

A pattern where phenomena are spread out over a large area.

Circular Distribution

A pattern where phenomena are evenly spaced around a central point.

Geometric Distribution

A regular arrangement of phenomena, such as grid patterns.

Random Distribution

A pattern where phenomena appear to have no order.

Map Projections

Methods of representing the curved surface of the Earth on a flat map, each with strengths and weaknesses.

Mercator Projection

A map projection designed for navigation, preserving direction but distorting size, especially near the poles.