Human Geography Unit 1 - Maps and Spatial Patterns

Flashcards covering vocabulary related to maps, spatial patterns, and human geography.

Map

A two-dimensional model of the Earth’s surface, or a portion of it.

Cartography

The science of mapmaking.

Remote Sensing

The process of capturing images of Earth’s surface from airborne platforms such as satellites or airplanes.

Global Positioning System (GPS)

The system that accurately determines the precise position of something on Earth via satellites and receivers.

Geographic Information System (GIS)

A computer system that captures, stores, analyzes, and displays geographic data.

Qualitative Data

Data associated with a humanistic approach to geography.

Quantitative Data

Data associated with mathematical models and statistical techniques.

Latitude

The distance north or south of the Equator.

Longitude

The distance east or west of the Prime Meridian.

Map Key/Legend

An inset on a map that explains what the colors or symbols used mean.

Toponym

The name given to a place on Earth.

Absolute Location

The precise place where something is found.

Relative Location

The description of where something is in relation to other things.

Density

How often or how much something occurs within a space.

Distance Decay

The theory that the interaction between two places decreases as the distance between them increases.

Time-Space Compression

The reduction in the time it takes to diffuse something to a distant place due to improved communication and transportation.

Reference Maps

Maps designed for people to refer to for general information about places.

Choropleth Maps

Maps that use colors, shades, or patterns to show the location and distribution of spatial data.

Isoline Maps

Maps that use lines to connect points of equal value to depict variations in data.

Map Projection

The process of depicting a curved globe on a flat surface.

Regionalization

The process geographers use to divide and categorize space into smaller units.

Formal Region

An area defined by official boundaries and shared characteristics.

Functional Region

An area organized around a node or focal point defined by an activity.

Cultural Ecology

A geographic approach that emphasizes human-environment relationships.

Sustainability

Use of the Earth’s resources in ways that ensure their availability for future generations.

Environmental Determinism

A philosophy that states that human behaviors and culture directly result from the surrounding environment.

Possibilism

The theory that environmental conditions can limit culture but that culture is primarily determined by social conditions.