APHUG VOCAB

absolute location

The exact and fixed spot where a place on earth exists.  

Relative Location

Where a place is located in relation to other landmarks, places, or features.

Human-Environment Interaction

The dynamic relationship between human social systems and the natural world. 

Choropleth Map

A type of thematic map where predefined geographic areas, like countries or states, are shaded or colored in proportion to a specific statistical data variable. 

Geographic Information System

A computer system that captures,stores, checks, and analyzes, and displays data tied to specific locations on Earth’s surface

Global Positioning System

US government owned satellite based navigation system system that provides precise location, velocity, and time data anywhere on Earth. 

Sustainability

Meeting our own needs without hurting the ability of future generations to meet theirs. 

Reference Map

Shows the locations of natural and manmade geographic features such as boundaries, rivers, roads, and mountains, with displaying statistical data. 

Thematic Map

A specialized map designed to show a specific theme, topic, or data distribution across a geographic area rather than general physical or political features. 

Formal Region

It is an area defined and unified by shared physical, cultural, or political characteristic. 

Functional Region

A geographic area organized around a central node of focal point, defined by the interactions, communication, or movement of goods people, and services radiating outward from that hub. 

Vernacular Region

An area defined by people’s shared identity, feelings, and cultural attitudes rather than official political or legal boundaries.

Cartogram

A thematic map where the geographic, siza, shape, or distance of a region is intentionally distorted to be directly proportional to a numeric data variable. 

Robinson Projection Map

 A world map projection that balances distortion by spreading minor errors across size, shape, distance, and direction to make the entire globe look visually realistic on a flat surface.  

Mercator Projection Map

A cylindrical map projection that has countries become most distorted as it moves towards the north and south poles. 

Environmental Determinism

The belief that the natural physical environment shapes and controls human culture, societal development, individual behavior. 

Possibilism

The geographic theory that that the physical environment sets limits or offers constraints, but human culture, technology, and choices ultimately determine how society develops.