Human Geography Chapter 1 Test

Formal Region

Homogencity, uniformity (climate, vegatation, physical features, language, ethnicity)

Well defined boundaries

Ex: USA

Fuctional (Nodal) Region

A focal point that connects other places in the region by activity( WiFi, NY Times supscription)

Regions are not absolute, lots of dispute

Ex: 110 Grill that I always go to

Perceptional/ Venacular Region

Defined by feelings, common perceptions, and prejudices that may or may not be true

Ex: New England

Environmental determinism

the idea that the natural or physical environment shapes and creates cultures; in other words, the environment essentially dictates culture.

Ex: environmental determinists in the 1920s thought that people who lived in the tropics were slothful and backward because finding food in the tropics was thought to be rather easy

Scale of Analysis

the level or perspective at which a problem or issue is studied or adressed

Scale

the ratio of the length or distance on the map

Spatial Pattern

how we define the arrangement, structure, and placement of objects within any given landscape (forest, rivers, settlements, etc.)

Site

physical characteristics (climate, vegatation, topography)

Situation

a way to describe a location by referring to the area surrounding the place, and is sometimes referred to as relative location.

Time-space Convergence

places move closer together with technological advancments (tranportation+ communivation)

Intervening Opportunity

alternate orgins and/or destinations

Possibilism

the theory people can adapt to their environmental conditions and choose from many alternatives, despite the limitations that the environment pose.

Relative Location

description of a location using surronding geographic features

Absolute Location

the exact spot where something is located

Absolute Direction

the exact direction you are heading

Relative Direction

direction depends on surronding area (not presice)

Absolute Distance

exact distance between 2 places

Relative Distance

approximate measurment between 2 places

Remote Sensing

the acquisition of data about the Earth’s surface from aerial platforms such as satellites, airplanes or drones.

GPS

mapping systems in vehicles

allows motorists to navigate from placeto-place with relative ease, but the process by which these digital and other maps are created is exceptionally complex

GIS

the second important tool employed by geographers

combines computer hardware and software in a system that stores, analyzes and displays geographic data with a “computer mapping” capability

Hiearchical Diffusion

refers to the spread of culture starting from influential and powerful indiviuals within a society or culture

ex: fashion trends, coperate policies

Expansion Diffusion

group of people spreads out from a central location and introduces their culture to new areas

Relocation Diffusion

people move from one place to another, bringing with them their cultural beliefs, practices, and innovations

ex: cuisine transplat, language dispersal

Stimulus Diffusion

element of culture changes as it spreads to new areas

ex: NY style pizza, global variations in rock music

Contagious Diiffusion

relies on direct person-to-person contact for the spread of ideas, information, and knowledge

Maladaptive Diffusion

occurs when a culture spreads to new areas where it doesn’t seem as useful or relevant, and yet it does not change. It may have worked well in one region, but it doesnt seem to be sutiable in another situation