Geographic Phenomenon

Flashcards based on key concepts from the lecture on Geographic Phenomenon.

Geographic Phenomenon

Something of interest that can be named, georeferenced, and assigned a time interval.

Geographic field

A geographic phenomenon for which a value can be determined at every point in the study area.

Geographic objects

Discrete, bounded entities that populate the study area, with the space between them potentially empty.

Continuous fields

Geographic fields where the underlying function is assumed to be continuous, such as temperature, barometric pressure, or elevation.

Discrete fields

Geographic fields that divide study space into mutually exclusive parts, with all locations in one part having the same field value.

Vector

A type of data model represented by points, lines, and polygons that resembles real-world features.

Raster

A data model composed of cells or pixels, often used to represent dense data such as land cover or elevation.

Advantages of Vector

Includes less data redundancy, clear representation of discrete features, identifiable topology, and greater precision in spatial computation.

Disadvantages of Vector

Complex data structure, expensive technology, and complexity in analysis.

Advantages of Raster

Includes simple data structure, inexpensive technology, simple analysis, and ability to use the same grid cell for several attributes.

Disadvantages of Raster

Includes large data volume, inefficient storage, difficult network analysis, less accurate maps, and potential loss of information with large cells.