Introduction to Geography Vocabulary

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers 56 fundamental concepts in geography, including map types, spatial data tools, location analysis, and regional definitions.

Reference Map

Shows locations of physical/human features

Thematic Map

Shows one specific topic or theme

Choropleth

Uses colors/shading to show data by area

Dot Density

Uses dots to show the amount/distribution of something

Graduated Symbol

Uses different-sized symbols to show amounts

Cartogram

Distorts map size based on data

Isoline

Lines connecting places with equal values

Topographic

Shows elevation and landforms

Spatial Pattern

Arrangement of things across space

Absolute Distance

Exact physical distance between places

Absolute Direction

Exact direction using compass points

Relative Distance

Distance measured by time, cost, or effort

Relative Direction

Direction described compared to another place

Clustering

Objects grouped closely together

Dispersal

Objects spread apart across an area

Distribution

Arrangement of features across space

Elevation

Height above sea level

Map Projection

Method of showing Earth on a flat map

GIS

Computer system for analyzing geographic data

GPS

System that determines exact location using satellites

Satellite Navigation Systems

Satellites used to determine location and directions

Remote Sensing

Collecting information from a distance

Field Observation

Collecting information by directly observing a place

Qualitative Data

Descriptive, non-numerical information

Quantitative Data

Numerical information

Toponym

Name given to a place

Site

Physical characteristics of a location

Situation

Location compared to surrounding places

Absolute Location

Exact location using coordinates/address

Relative Location

Location compared to other places

Space vs. Place

Space is location; place has meaning

Placelessness

Places becoming similar and losing uniqueness

Cultural Landscape

Visible features created by human culture

Satellite Imagery

Images of Earth taken by satellites

Landscape Analysis

Studying visible features of an area

Photographic Interpretation

Analyzing photos to identify geographic features

Census Data

Population information collected by a government

Land Use

How people use a piece of land

Distance Decay

Interaction decreases as distance increases

Friction of Distance

Distance makes movement/interactions more difficult

Time-Space Compression

Technology makes distant places feel closer

Globalization

Increasing worldwide connection and interaction

Density

Amount of something per unit of area

MDC & LDC

More Developed Country & Less Developed Country

Diffusion

Spread of ideas, culture, or phenomena

Sustainability

Meeting needs without harming future generations

Natural Resources

Materials from nature that people use

Conservation

Careful use and protection of resources

Preservation

Protecting nature from human use or development

Environmental Determinism

Environment directly determines human behavior

Possibilism

Humans can adapt to and modify their environment

Scale of Analysis

Level at which geographic data is studied

Regionalization

Dividing an area into regions

Formal Region

Area sharing one or more measurable characteristics

Functional / Nodal Region

Area organized around a central point

Perceptual / Vernacular Region

Region based on people's beliefs or feelings