Thinking Geographically

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts in human geography.

Human Geography

The study of spatial variation in the patterns and processes related to human activity.

Eratosthenes

The father of geography, he was the first to use the word geography and calculated the Earth's circumference.

Cartography

The art and science of making maps; central to the study of geography.

Space (in geography)

The extent of area that is occupied by something; can refer to physical and cultural objects.

Site

The physical location of a place.

Place

Includes both location and the meanings, identity, and human experiences associated with that location.

Location

Refers to the exact position of something on the Earth's surface, can be absolute or relative.

Scale

The size of a unit on a map as a ratio of its size on the map to the same units on the Earth's surface.

Formal Region

A region with a high level of consistency in a specific cultural or physical attribute.

Functional Region

A region with a node or center hub, surrounded by interconnecting linkages, often related to trade or communication.

Perceptual Region

A region defined by feelings and prejudices that may or may not be true; a construct of one's mental map.

Spatial Interaction

Refers to the relationships between community members influenced by the type and kind of human interactions.

Diffusion

The movement of people, ideas, customs, and information from one place to another.

Relocation Diffusion

Physical transfer of an idea or trait to a new region.

Expansion Diffusion

Spread of an idea or trait usage to neighboring regions.

Density

The number of an item within a unit of area; refers to how many of that item are in a limited space.

Nucleated Settlement

Settlements that consist of houses grouped closely around a central feature.

Dispersed Settlement

Settlements where houses and buildings are spread over a wide area of land.