AP HUG Unit 1 Flashcards

A collection of vocabulary flashcards related to geography and its fundamental concepts.

Geography

The study of where things are found on Earth’s surface and the reasons for their locations.

Eratosthenes

Ancient Greek scholar credited with creating the first world map.

Cartography

The science of mapmaking.

Map Scale

The relationship of a feature’s size on a map to its actual size on Earth.

Latitude

The numbering system used to indicate the location of parallels drawn north and south of the equator.

Longitude

The numbering system used to indicate the location of meridians drawn east and west of the Prime Meridian.

Toponym

The name given to a place on Earth.

Site

The physical character of a place, including climate, water sources, and topography.

Situation

The location of a place relative to other places.

Formal Region

An area where everyone shares in common one or more distinctive characteristics.

Functional Region

An area organized around a node or focal point.

Vernacular Region

An area that people believe exists as part of their cultural identity.

Spatial Interaction

The movement of people, ideas, and objects across space.

Sustainability

The use of Earth's resources in a way that maintains their availability for future generations.

Diffusion

The process by which characteristics spread across space over time.

Remote Sensing

The acquisition of data about Earth's surface from a satellite or other long-distance methods.

GPS (Global Positioning System)

A system that accurately determines the precise position of something on Earth.

GIS (Geographic Information System)

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

Abiotic systems

Systems composed of nonliving or inorganic matter, such as the atmosphere and hydrosphere.

Biotic system

Systems composed of living organisms, including the biosphere.

Globalization

A force or process that involves the entire world and results in making something worldwide in scope.

Distance Decay

The diminishing contact with increased distance between people.

Cultural Landscape

The combination of cultural, religious, and physical features that characterize a region.

Three Pillars of Sustainability

Environmental, economic, and social factors that contribute to sustainable practices.