Unit 1: Cluster 1: Maps

Absolute Direction

A precise direction based on global compass points such as north, south, east, and west.

Absolute Distance

The exact measurement of distance between two points, typically expressed in units such as kilometers or miles.

Absolute Location

The exact position of a feature on Earth’s surface, uniquely identified using precise coordinate grids like latitude and longitude.

Cartography

The science and artistry of map-making, involving the design and production of maps that represent geographic information.

Choropleth Map

A thematic map that uses colors, shades, or patterns to represent different levels of data variables across predefined geographic areas.

Concentration

The spread of a phenomenon or feature over a specific area, indicating how closely packed or scattered it is.

Distribution

The physical arrangement, layout, or organization of a feature or phenomenon across Earth’s surface space.

Dot Density Map

A thematic map where each dot represents a specific quantity of a feature or phenomenon, effectively illustrating its distribution and concentration across a geographic area.

Pattern

The geometric, linear, or irregular spatial arrangement of objects or phenomena in a given area.

Peters Projection

A cylindrical map projection that attempts to represent areas of the earth's surface in their true proportions, portraying continents and countries accurately in size but distorting shapes.

Physical Map

A reference map that primarily showcases natural landscape features such as mountains, rivers, deserts, and elevation changes.

Political Map

A reference map designed to show human-defined boundaries, such as countries, states, and cities.

Projection

A mathematical method transferring locations from Earth;s three-dimensional curved surface onto a flat two-dimensional map plane.

Proportional Symbol Map

A thematic map that uses symbols of varying sizes to represent data associated with geographic locations, indicating the magnitude of a phenomenon.

Reference Map

A foundational map intended for orientation, showing geographic landmarks, navigation routes, political boundaries, or natural features.

Relative Direction

A subjective direction based on a person's perspective, often described in relation to familiar landmarks.

Relative Distance

A measure of distance that considers the spatial relationships and context between places, often expressed in terms of time, cost, or effort rather than just physical space.

Relative location

The position of a place or feature relative to other surrounding human or physical landmarks.

Robinson Projection

A compromise map projection that balances distortions in shape, size, distance, to create a visually natural representation. It is often used for world maps.

Site

The physical characteristics and intrinsic qualities of a specific location, such as climate, topography, soil, water sources, and elevation.

Situation

The location of a place relative to surrounding places, highlighting its connectivity, economic importance, and regional accessibility. It considers both physical and human factors that influence a location's significance in a broader context.

Thematic Map

A specialized map designed to display a specific data variable or topic, such as population density, climate patterns, or income distributions.