Unit 1: Projections to Remote-Sensing Satellites (FULL Definitions + Examples)

Includes terms from Projections to Remote-Sensing Satellites from Unit 1 Notes (Knowt)

Projections

Methods of portraying the Earth's surface on a flat map, each causing some distortion of size or shape.

Area Preservation

Maintaining the correct relative spatial size of areas on a map.

Shape Preservation

Maintaining the correct shapes of areas on a map.

Equal-Area Projections

Map projections that maintain area accuracy but distort shape.

Conformal Projections

Map projections that maintain shape but distort area.

Robinson Projection

A map projection that balances size and shape, creating a practical, visually appealing map.

Goode’s Homolosine Projection

A map projection that balances size and shape but looks like a peeled orange.

Model

An abstract generalization of real-world geographies showing common patterns.

Spatial Models

Models showing patterns of spatial organization and relationships in landscapes.

Urban Models

Models that show how different cities are structured economically or socially.

Demographic Transition Models

Non-spatial models showing population growth patterns as nations industrialize.

Gravity Model

A model that estimates transportation flows, economic influence, or migration based on population size and distance.

Why Are Models Used?

Models help visualize invisible geographic patterns and answer theoretical questions.

Concentric Zone Model

An urban model showing how cities grow outward in rings from a central business district (CBD).

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Software that stores, analyzes, and visualizes spatial data using multiple layers.

Global Positioning System (GPS)

A satellite system that allows users to determine precise absolute locations.

Aerial Photographs

Images of the Earth's surface taken from an aircraft.

Remote-Sensing Satellites

Satellites that collect data from the Earth's surface using scanners or cameras.

Give an example of Projections.

Mercator projection, Robinson projection, Goode’s homolosine projection.

Give an example of Area Preservation.

Equal-area projections like the Goode’s homolosine projection.

Give an example of Shape Preservation.

Conformal projections like the Mercator projection.

Give an example of Equal-Area Projections.

Goode’s homolosine projection.

Give an example of Conformal Projections.

Mercator projection.

Give an example of Robinson Projection.

A world map showing continents realistically without major size exaggerations.

Give an example of Goode’s Homolosine Projection.

An interrupted map showing accurate land sizes with less distortion.

Give an example of a Model.

The concentric zone model of urban structure.

Give an example of Spatial Models.

Von Thünen’s agricultural land use model.

Give an example of Urban Models.

The sector model showing urban land use wedges.

Give an example of Demographic Transition Models.

A country moving from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates over time.

Give an example of Gravity Model.

Estimating the number of customers traveling between two cities based on their population sizes.

Give an example of Why Models Are Used.

Using a population model to predict future housing needs.

Give an example of Concentric Zone Model.

Chicago’s early 1900s layout with a CBD surrounded by housing zones.

Give an example of Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Google Earth using layered maps for roads, terrain, and buildings.

Give an example of Global Positioning System (GPS).

Using a smartphone app to navigate to a coffee shop.

Give an example of Aerial Photographs.

Photographs taken from airplanes for making topographic maps.

Give an example of Remote-Sensing Satellites.

Landsat satellites collecting images of deforestation patterns.