Unit 1

Absolute Location

The exact position of a place on Earth using coordinates like latitude and longitude.

Relative Location

A location described by its relationship to other places.

Map Scale

The ratio between distances on a map and actual distances on the Earth’s surface.

Large-Scale Map

A map that shows a small area in great detail.

Small-Scale Map

A map that shows a large area with less detail.

Reference Map

A map that shows general information about places, such as boundaries and physical features.

Thematic Map

A map that displays one particular theme or variable, like population density or climate.

Choropleth Map

A thematic map where areas are shaded or patterned in proportion to the value of a variable.

Dot Distribution Map

A map where dots represent the frequency of a variable in a given area.

Isoline Map

A map with lines that connect points of equal value (e.g., elevation, temperature).

Cartogram

A map where the size of areas is distorted to show a specific variable, like population.

Spatial Analysis

Examining the locations and patterns of phenomena across space.

GIS (Geographic Information Systems)

A computer system that stores, analyzes, and displays spatial data in layers.

GPS (Global Positioning System)

A satellite-based system used to determine absolute location on Earth.

Remote Sensing

The use of satellites or aircraft to gather data about Earth's surface.

Site

The physical characteristics of a place (e.g., climate, terrain, water sources).

Situation

A place’s location relative to other places.

Distance Decay

The idea that interaction decreases as distance between people or places increases.

Time-Space Compression

The idea that technology makes distant places feel closer due to faster communication and transport.

Cultural Landscape

The visible imprint of human activity and culture on the landscape.

Environmental Determinism

The belief that the physical environment determines human behavior.

Possibilism

The belief that the environment sets limits, but people can adapt and choose outcomes.

Scale of Analysis

The level at which data is analyzed: local, regional, national, or global.

Region

An area defined by one or more distinct characteristics.

Formal/Uniform Region

Areas with one or more shared traits, like language or climate.

Functional/Nodal Region

Areas organized around a central point (e.g., a city and its suburbs).

Perceptual/Vernacular Region

Areas people believe exist based on cultural identity (e.g., 'The South').

Spatial Pattern

The arrangement of objects on Earth’s surface.

Spatial Interaction

The movement of people, goods, or ideas between places.

Mental Map

A person’s perception of the layout of a space.