aphug unit 1

Flashcards to help understand key geographical concepts, terms, and definitions from lecture notes.

Maps

A primary tool used by geographers to depict and analyze spatial patterns.

Spatial Patterns

Refer to the arrangement of various phenomena across space, important for geographic analysis.

Absolute Distance

The exact measurement of distance between two locations, typically in units like miles or kilometers.

Relative Distance

The measure of social, cultural, or political differences between locations, not represented on maps.

Clustering and Dispersion

Refers to how phenomena are spread out; clustering means close together, and dispersion means spread apart.

Elevation

The height of geographic features relative to sea level, usually depicted on isoline maps.

Map Scale

Explains how distance on a map relates to actual distance in the real world.

Reference Maps

Maps focused on displaying specific geographic locations, such as road or political maps.

Thematic Maps

Maps designed to display geographic information or themes, such as choropleth or graduated symbol maps.

Mercator Projection

A map projection that represents true direction but distorts land masses at high latitudes.

Peters Projection

A map projection that shows the true size of landmasses but distorts their shapes.

Quantitative Data

Numerical data that can be counted or measured.

Qualitative Data

Descriptive data that is more subjective, often based on observations.

GIS (Geographic Information System)

A software system used to analyze and manipulate geospatial data.

Remote Sensing

The collection of data about geographic locations through satellite imagery.

Functional Region

Regions defined by a shared function or activity, with a central node serving as the focal point.

Formal Region

Regions defined by common traits, such as language or economic activity.

Perceptual Region

Regions defined by people's shared beliefs or feelings, often with fuzzy borders.

Time-Space Compression

The phenomenon where technological advancements reduce the time required to travel between locations.

Distance Decay

The principle that the further apart two locations are, the less connected they will be.

Environmental Determinism

An outdated theory that claims the physical environment determines cultural development.

Possibilism

The theory proposing that humans are the driving force in shaping their own culture, despite environmental factors.

What is the difference between absolute distance and relative distance?

Absolute distance measures the exact physical distance between two locations in units like miles or kilometers, while relative distance considers the social, cultural, or political differences between locations.

What distinguishes clustering from dispersion in geographic phenomena?

Clustering refers to the concentration of phenomena in a close proximity, while dispersion indicates that phenomena are spread out over a larger area.

What is the difference between formal regions and functional regions?

Formal regions are defined by common traits like language or economic activity, whereas functional regions are characterized by a shared function or activity centered around a focal point.

How do qualitative data and quantitative data differ?

Qualitative data is descriptive and subjective, based on observations or experiences, while quantitative data is numerical and can be counted or measured.

What differentiates GIS from remote sensing?

GIS (Geographic Information System) is a software system for analyzing and manipulating geospatial data, whereas remote sensing involves collecting data about geographic areas through satellite imagery.

What distinguishes environmental determinism from possibilism in geography?

Environmental determinism is an outdated theory claiming that the physical environment solely dictates cultural development, while possibilism suggests that humans actively shape their cultures despite environmental limitations