Unit 1: Thinking Geographically

Flashcards covering key concepts from Unit 1: Thinking Geographically.

Space

The abstract, geometric surface of the Earth imagined as an empty slate where objects occupy specific locations and are separated by distance.

Place

A bounded area of human significance, often given a toponym, acquiring meaning through cultural, historical, and functional attributes.

Activity space

The daily area where people conduct routine activities.

Sequent occupancy

The layered succession of cultural groups that shape a place over time.

Scale

The relationship of an object or place to the Earth as a whole, appearing in map scale and relative scale.

Map scale

The ratio of map distance to real-world distance.

Relative location

Position described in reference to another known place or feature.

Absolute location

Fixed coordinates (latitude, longitude) expressed as 'lat°, lon°N/S/E/W'.

Latitude

Measures north-south distance from the Equator.

Longitude

Measures east-west distance from the Prime Meridian.

Friction of distance

The cost/time barrier that reduces interaction over greater distances.

Space-Time Compression

Technological advances that reduce relative distance, increasing interaction frequency and intensity.

Diffusion

The process by which an idea or innovation spreads from one place to another.

Expansion diffusion

Originates centrally and spreads outward, typically unequal distances.

Hierarchical diffusion

Moves from larger to smaller places, as seen in fashion trends.

Contagious diffusion

Radiates to nearby locations, often along transport routes.

Stimulus diffusion

Underlying idea spreads, leading to new local variants.

Functional regions

Regions defined by a central point influencing surrounding areas.

Vernacular region

Perceived region based on residents’ mental maps.

Cartogram

A distorted map that represents statistical information rather than geographic accuracy.

Gravity model

A mathematical model used in spatial analysis.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Systems that link spatial data to coordinates for analysis.

Remote Sensing

The acquisition of data from satellites or aircraft to monitor various environmental conditions.

Concentric zone model

A model that describes urban land use in concentric rings.

Central place theory

A geographic theory that seeks to explain the number, size, and location of human settlements.

Malthusian theory

The hypothesis that population growth will outpace food production.

Cultural landscape

The visible imprint of human activity on the landscape.