Kwantlen Polytechnic University Geography 1101: Human Geography Glossary

A comprehensive glossary of fundamental geographic concepts for Geography 1101, designed to aid in understanding key terms relevant to human geography.

geography

The study of the surface of the Earth as the space in which people live.

space

The dimensions of height, width, and depth within which all material things exist and move.

physical geography

The study of the non-human, natural features and processes of the Earth.

human geography

The study of the spatial features of human activities and systems, including human interactions with the surface of the Earth.

absolute location

The objective, exact point on the Earth's surface where something is located, usually expressed in latitude and longitude.

latitude

The location of a point on the Earth’s surface in terms of its angular distance north or south of the Equator.

longitude

The location of a point on the Earth’s surface in terms of its angular distance east or west of the Prime Meridian.

place

A location defined based on distinctive human and/or physical geographic features.

toponym

A place name.

region

An area on the Earth’s surface defined based on distinctive human and/or physical geographic features.

formal region

An area defined based on common human and/or physical geographic characteristics.

functional region

An area defined based on shared human and/or physical geographic relationships and interactions.

vernacular/perceptual region

An area defined based on human perceptions, perceived to exist by those living within it.

relative location/situation

A location defined in terms of its relationship to another location.

distance

The measurable space between two or more locations.

absolute distance

The objective, exact space between two or more locations.

relative distance

The space between two or more locations as perceived and experienced by humans.

direction

The way in which something moves, points, or faces.

absolute direction

The objective, exact direction between two or more locations, usually expressed in compass points or azimuths.

relative direction

Direction as perceived and experienced by humans.

spatial interaction

Flows of energy, goods, organisms, people, information, etc. between two or more locations.

spatial diffusion

The spread of energy, goods, organisms, people, information, etc. from an origin location to another location.

accessibility

The ease with which a location can be reached from other locations.

friction of distance

The resistant force of distance on human/non-human activities and interactions.

distance decay

The decrease in human/non-human interactions as distance increases.

academic skills

Methods and techniques for efficient and effective identification, collection, and organization of information.