Gathering Geographic Data and Census - Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the lecture notes on who gathers geographic data, how it is gathered, and the consequences of using geographic data.

Census

An official count or survey of a population that collects details (e.g., age, sex, race) for purposes such as representation, funding, and public programs.

Geographic data

Information that describes locations or features on Earth’s surface, used by governments and organizations.

Individual data gatherers

People who collect geographic data for research or to help communities by making observations, maps, or analyzing data.

Organizations

Groups with larger budgets and resources that can use advanced data collection techniques to gather geographic information.

Fieldwork

Research conducted outside the classroom using first-hand observations; location-specific and local.

Photo-based analysis

A data collection method that analyzes changes in landscapes by comparing photographs over time.

Geospatial technologies

Tools like GPS, GIS, remote sensing, and related technologies used to collect and analyze geospatial data.

Global Positioning System (GPS)

A network of satellites that provides location and time information for navigation and mapping.

Geographic Information System (GIS)

Software that captures, stores, displays, and analyzes geospatial data.

Remote sensing

The technique of obtaining information about Earth’s surface from satellites or aircraft.

Aerial photography

Remote-sensing photographs taken from aircraft that provide high-resolution images.

Satellite imagery

Images of Earth’s surface captured by sensors on orbiting satellites, including data from visible and non-visible spectra.

Latitude

Horizontal lines circling the globe; measure distance north or south from the equator.

Longitude

Vertical lines from the North to the South Pole; measure distance east or west from the prime meridian; lines converge at the poles.

Absolute location

A precise position on the Earth’s surface, defined by latitude and longitude.

Prime meridian

Zero-degree longitude line running through Greenwich, England.

Greenwich Meridian

Another name for the prime meridian.

Population density

The number of people living per unit area, used to analyze where people concentrate (e.g., along the Nile in Egypt).

Consequences of using census data

Census data affect daily life by distribution of representation, funding, and programs; government decisions can be influenced.