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Formal (Uniform) Region

Defined by measurable data and shared traits (e.g., a state, the Corn Belt).

Functional (Nodal) Region

Organized around a central node, with connections (e.g., a metropolitan area with a major city and suburbs).

Perceptual (Vernacular) Region

Based on people’s opinions or cultural identity (e.g., “the South,” “the Middle East”).

Absolute Location

Exact point using coordinates (latitude/longitude).

Relative Location

Where something is in relation to other places (e.g., "north of Mexico").

Site

The physical characteristics of a place (climate, terrain, soil, water).

Situation

Location relative to other places for trade, migration, or access.

Absolute Distance

Measurable in units (miles, kilometers).

Relative Distance

Measured in time, cost, or cultural connection (e.g., “30 minutes away”).

Sustainability

Using resources so they meet present needs without harming future generations.

Environmental Determinism

The environment shapes human behavior (now considered outdated/overly simplistic).

Possibilism

Humans adjust/adapt to the environment and make choices within limits.

Mercator Projection

Preserves shape, distorts size near poles.

Robinson Projection

Balance of shape and size, but slight distortion everywhere.

Peters Projection

Preserves relative size, distorts shape.

Projection Issues

Always some distortion in area, shape, distance, or direction.

Reference Maps

Show locations, boundaries, features (e.g., political, physical maps).

Thematic Maps

Show data patterns. Types include

Choropleth

Shading shows values.

Dot Density

Dots represent frequency of a feature.

Graduated Symbol

Different-sized symbols show magnitude.

Cartogram

Size of area distorted to show a variable (e.g., population).

Spatial Analysis

Examines where things are and why (distribution, density, patterns).

Non-Spatial Analysis

Uses data not tied to specific locations (e.g., population growth rates).

GIS (Geographic Information Systems)

Computer-based layering of spatial data (land use, elevation, population).

GPS (Global Positioning System)

Satellite-based system to determine absolute location.

Remote Sensing

Collecting info from satellites or aerial imagery.

Fieldwork

Direct observation/data collection on site.

Global Scale

Whole world comparisons (climate change, world trade).

Regional Scale

Larger areas spanning countries/parts of continents (Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa).

National (Country) Scale

Within one country (U.S., Brazil).

State/Province Scale

Subdivisions within a country.

County/City Scale

Local-level patterns.

Census Tract/Neighborhood Scale

Very small scale, community-level detail.

Scale Matters

Patterns may change at different scales (e.g., wealth inequality looks different globally vs. locally).