APHG Unit 1 Test Review: Map Characteristics and Concepts

Cylindrical Projection

Maps globe onto a cylinder; severe distortion at poles.

Mercator Projection

Cylindrical projection preserving shape, distorting size.

Conic Projection

Maps globe onto a cone; minimal distortion at parallels.

Albers Equal-Area Projection

Example of conic projection; preserves area.

Planar Projection

Maps globe onto flat surface; best for polar regions.

Polar Projection

Example of planar projection; preserves shape at center.

Latitude

Imaginary lines measuring distance north/south of Equator.

Longitude

Imaginary lines measuring distance east/west of Prime Meridian.

Equator

Main latitude line; divides Earth into hemispheres.

Prime Meridian

Main longitude line; divides Earth into hemispheres.

Distortion in Mercator Maps

Exaggerates area; preserves distance and direction.

Distortion in Planar Projection

Distorts shape and direction at edges.

Choropleth Map

Uses colors to show data variations like population density.

Cartogram

Distorts land area to represent a variable like GDP.

Isoline Map

Uses lines to represent continuous data like elevation.

Flow Line Map

Uses arrows to show movement like migration routes.

Dot Density Map

Uses dots to show frequency of phenomena like crime.

Proportional Symbol Map

Uses varying symbol sizes to represent data quantity.

Geospatial Data

Analyzes spatial relationships; aids in decision-making.

GPS

Uses satellites for precise Earth location determination.

Remote Sensing

Collects data from distance via satellites or drones.

Census

Government process for demographic and economic data collection.

Interviews & Surveys

Qualitative data collection methods for research.

GIS

Geographic Information Systems for spatial data analysis.

Online Mapping

Digital platforms displaying spatial information interactively.

Early 1900s Data Collection

Manual surveys and hand-drawn maps were used.

Mid-1900s Mapping

Aerial photography and computer mapping systems emerged.

Late 1900s Technology

Satellite remote sensing and GPS revolutionized mapping.

Present Day Geospatial Tools

AI, drones, and real-time imagery enhance accuracy.

Absolute Direction

Fixed direction based on standard measurements.

Relative Direction

Direction based on perspective and context.

Absolute Distance

Fixed measurement, e.g., 50 miles between locations.

Relative Distance

Variable measure, e.g., 60 minutes travel time.

Characteristics of Place

Defining features that differentiate locations.

Significance of Place

Unique cultural and emotional connections to locations.

Expansion Diffusion

Idea spreads from person to person.

Contagious Diffusion

Spread from origin to nearest locations.

Hierarchical Diffusion

Spread to most connected individuals or places.

Stimulus Diffusion

Innovation spurred by an idea, not identical.

Relocation Diffusion

Movement of people carrying ideas to new areas.

Distance Decay

Interaction decreases as distance increases.

Friction of Distance

Distance complicates movement and interaction.

Time-Space Compression

Technology reduces the impact of distance.

Density

Number of items in a specified area.

Concentration

Closeness of items within a space.

Pattern

Arrangement of items in a geographic area.

Large-Scale Analysis

Detailed studies of small geographic areas.

Small-Scale Analysis

Broad studies of larger geographic patterns.

Large-scale maps

Detail-rich maps covering smaller areas, like cities.

Small-scale maps

Less detailed maps covering larger areas, like continents.

Urban planning

Using large-scale maps for city development and organization.

Global studies

Utilizing small-scale maps for worldwide analysis.

Pros of large-scale maps

More detail, beneficial for local navigation.

Cons of large-scale maps

Limited area coverage, not suitable for broad trends.

Pros of small-scale maps

Covers vast areas, good for general trends.

Cons of small-scale maps

Lacks fine detail, less useful for local navigation.

Sustainability

Continuing activities without harm or depletion indefinitely.

Environmental sustainability

Preserving resources and ecosystems for future generations.

Economic sustainability

Stable economy meeting present and future needs.

Social sustainability

Creating equitable access to basic needs for all.

Environmental determinism

Outdated belief that environment shapes civilization progress.

Environmental possibilism

Modern theory that people adapt to environmental challenges.

Formal regions

Defined by uniform measurable characteristics, like tornado prevalence.

Functional regions

Declining characteristics from a central node, or nodal region.

Perceptual regions

Regions based on subjective perceptions and cultural similarities.

Nodal region

Another term for functional regions, organized around a node.

Vernacular region

Another name for perceptual regions, based on local perceptions.

Biodiversity conservation

Protecting diverse biological species and ecosystems.

Resource management

Responsible use of resources to ensure sustainability.

Social justice

Promoting equality and fair treatment in society.