KBAT_Unit_1_Thinking_Geographically

absolute direction

A fixed reference point for direction, such as north, south, east, or west.

absolute distance

The exact measurement of the physical space between two points.

absolute location

The precise location of a place on the Earth's surface, determined by latitude and longitude.

Azimuthal Projection

A map projection that represents the Earth’s surface by flat planes tangent to the globe; distance is true from the center point.

cartogram

A map in which the size of regions is distorted to convey information about a particular variable.

cartography

The art and science of map-making.

census

A systematic process of collecting and recording demographic data about a population.

chloropleth map

A thematic map that uses different shades or colors to represent statistical data.

core

The central or most important area in a region or system.

demographic features

Characteristics of a population, such as age, gender, and income.

density

The amount of a particular feature per unit area.

distance decay

The concept that the interaction between two places decreases as the distance between them increases.

distributed

The spread of a particular phenomenon across space.

dot map

A map that uses dots to represent the frequency or presence of a phenomenon.

ecological perspective

An approach that examines the interactions between organisms and their environment.

environmental determinism

The theory that the physical environment, particularly climate and geography, shapes human behavior and societal development.

flow

The movement of goods, people, or information across space.

formal region

An area defined by official boundaries and homogeneous characteristics.

friction of distance

The concept that distance creates a barrier to interaction and communication.

functional region

A region defined by a specific function or a central place and the surrounding areas linked to it.

Gall-Peters Projection

A map projection that reflects the true area of landmasses but distorts shapes.

GIS (geographic information systems)

A technology that captures, stores, analyzes, and manages geographical data.

globalization

The process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or start operating on an international scale.

GPS (global positioning system)

A satellite-based navigation system that provides location and time information.

graduated symbol map

A map that uses symbols of different sizes to represent quantitative data.

human geography

A branch of geography that focuses on the relationships between people and their environments.

isoline map

A map with lines that connect points of equal value, such as temperature or elevation.

location

A specific place or position.

map projection

A way to represent the three-dimensional surface of the Earth on a flat two-dimensional map.

map scale

The ratio between a distance on the map and the actual distance on the ground.

mental map

An individual's internal perception and representation of geographical space.

Mercator Projection

A cylindrical map projection that preserves angles but distorts sizes, especially near the poles.

node

A central point in a functional region where activities are coordinated.

pattern

The geometric arrangement of objects in space.

perceptual (vernacular) region

A region defined by people's subjective perceptions and feelings about an area.

periphery

The outer edges of a region, often considered less developed or less influential.

physical geography

The branch of geography dealing with natural features, processes, and systems.

place

A specific point on Earth distinguished by particular physical and human characteristics.

possibilism

The theory that the environment sets certain constraints or limitations, but people have the ability to adjust and make choices.

population

The total number of individuals inhabiting a particular area.

qualitative data

Non-numerical information that describes qualities or characteristics.

quantitative data

Numerical information used to quantify characteristics.

reference maps

Maps that show the locations of places and geographic features.

region

An area distinguished by unique characteristics or commonalities.

relative direction

Direction based on a person's perception of landmarks or places, such as left, right, forward.

relative distance

The distance between two places as measured by the time it takes to reach one from the other.

relative location

The position of a place in relation to other locations.

remote sensing

The acquisition of information about an object or area from a distance, typically using satellites.

Robinson Projection

A map projection that attempts to minimize distortion in area, shape, distance, and direction.

scale of analysis

The level of detail and size of the area involved in geographical studies, ranging from global to local.

semi-periphery

Countries that are between core and periphery nations in economic activities.

site

The physical characteristics of a place.

situation

The location of a place relative to its surroundings.

space

The physical gap or interval between two objects or phenomena.

spatial distribution

The arrangement of a phenomenon across the Earth's surface.

spatial perspective

A way of looking at the world that emphasizes the location of people, places, and events.

sustainability

Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

sustainable development

Development that meets the needs of the present while ensuring that future generations can also meet their needs.

thematic maps

Maps that focus on a specific theme or subject matter, such as population density or climate.

theory

A system of ideas intended to explain something, often based on principles independent of the thing to be explained.

time-space compression

The process by which the relative distances between places seem to be shrinking due to advancements in technology.

topography

The arrangement of natural and artificial physical features of an area.

World Systems Theory

A theoretical framework that analyzes the global system and its socio-economic structures.