Review Lecture_ Unit 1 Thinking Geographically

Density

The amount of something in a set area, calculated as mass/volume; high-density areas typically refer to large cities with many people in a small physical space.

Concentration

The distribution of a phenomenon, which can be clustered or dispersed.

Pattern

The arrangement of phenomena in a specific way, such as linear, circular, or random.

Reference Maps

Traditional maps that show physical geography, including location, boundaries, and physical features.

Thematic Maps

Maps that display the distribution of a specific phenomenon, such as population or climate.

Cartogram

A thematic map where the shape is distorted to emphasize a characteristic other than physical geography.

Choropleth

A thematic map that uses shading or coloring to indicate different values.

Dot Map

A thematic map where one dot represents a certain number of a phenomenon, with more dots indicating more of something.

Graduated Symbol

A thematic map where the size of the symbol is proportionate to the value of the attribute being represented.

Isoline

A map type that uses lines to connect points of equal value, useful for temperature and altitude maps.

Projections

Methods of representing the 3D Earth on a 2D map, which can lead to distortions.

Distortions

The inaccuracies that arise when creating map projections, affecting shape, distance, relative size, and direction.

Mercator Projection

A map projection that accurately represents shape and direction but distorts size, especially at the poles.

Peters Projection

A map projection that accurately represents the size of land masses but distorts their shapes.

Robinson Projection

A map projection that minimizes distortion across area, shape, and size, appearing more globe-like.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

A system designed to capture, store, and analyze spatial or geographic data.

Global Positioning System (GPS)

A satellite-based system used for determining precise locations on Earth.

Topological Space

More connectivity = less topological space.

Less connectivity = more topological space

Spatial Patterns

The arrangement of phenomena across space, which geographers study to understand relationships and interactions.

Distance Decay

The principle that the interaction between two places decreases as the distance between them increases.

Space-Time Compression

The reduction in time it takes to travel between locations due to advancements in transportation and communication.

Cultural Ecology

The study of how humans interact with their environment, contrasting environmental determinism and possibilism.

Environmental determinism vs possibilism

The local environment determines how humans will develop their society

vs.
The local environment influences how humans will develop their society (culture, technology, etc.) but does not determine!

Scale

The level of detail in a map, with small scale showing less detail over larger areas and large scale showing more detail over smaller areas.

Topological Space

The amount of "space" between places, regardless of absolute distance, influenced by connectivity.

toponym

Place name that is derived from people, religious affiliation, physical features, or origins of its settlers• Virginia• New Mexico• Los Angeles

Formal Region

A region defined by clear boundaries and unifying characteristics, such as a country or a specific agricultural area.

Nodal Region

A region defined by a central node or focal point, such as a delivery zone or school district.

Vernacu Region

A region defined by people's beliefs and cultural identity, lacking clear boundaries, such as "The South."

3 types of diffusion

stimulus, expansion, relocation, heirachical