Ap human geography unit 1 vocab

Reference Map

A map that gives an idea for where specific places are

Thematic Map

A map that shows data at a geographical standpoint

Clustering

Pattern where data is clumped together in groups

Dispersal

A pattern within the data that shows significant space in between

Map projection

The projection of the spherical map onto a flat surface

Geographic Information System

Technology used to capture, store and analyze spatial or geographical data

Global Positioning System

Using multiple satellites, GPS determines precise locations and calculates distances

Remote Sensing

Collecting data from a distance, using places or satellites to understand geographical features or human and environmental changes or activities

Landscape analysis

Study of a regions physical and cultural characteristics to understand human and environmental interactions and patterns

Census Data

The official data on population and housing used to understand spread or population, plan for government services, and distribute resources

Absolute Location

The precise place on earth, identified using longitude and latitude

Relative Location

The general area pro vicinity of a place related to others places or features around it

Space

Any physical area defined by a location and distance between objects

Place

A specific location on earth wit unique physical and human characteristics

Distance Decay

As the distance between two locations increases, the interactions between them decreases

Time-space Compression

New technology and innovations make it easier to communicate and transport between two places which makes the world feel more connected

Environmental Determinism

A theory that states that physical environment directly relates to human behavior, culture, and society

Possibility

A theory that physical environment presents humans with a variety of possibilities ad limitations, but culture, innovations, and actions determine how thy overcome the problems

Formal Region

An area defined by a shared characteristic like language, culture or political system across the area

Functional Region

An area that revolves around a central focal point or node that distributes outward

Vernacular Region

An area that is perceived by opinion rather than geographically