Untitled Flashcards Set

Cartographer

A person who makes maps.

Spatial Perspective

A point of view regarding how things are located in space.

Spatial Patterns

The arrangement of different elements in a particular area or space.

Time-Distance Decay

The concept that the influence of a cultural or social phenomenon decreases as distance from its source increases.

Reference Map

A map that shows locations of various features, meant for general use.

Thematic Map

A map that focuses on a specific theme or data set, telling a story.

Iso Line

Lines on a map that connect points of equal value, such as elevation.

Topographic Map

A map that shows physical terrain and elevation.

Choropleth Map

A type of thematic map that uses color to show data.

Cartogram

A map that uses distorted shapes and sizes to convey information.

Proportional Circle Map

A map that uses circles to show specific information proportionally.

Dot Density Map

A map that uses dots to represent a quantity of a certain attribute.

Mercator Projection

A map projection known for its navigation usefulness but distorts shapes and sizes.

Peters Projection

A map projection that preserves size but distorts shape.

Goode-Homolosine Projection

A map projection that balances size and shape but splits oceans.

Robinson Projection

A visually appealing map projection that minimizes distortion.

US Census

A population count taken every 10 years to track demographic information and determine representation.

Latitude and Longitude

Coordinates that specify a location on the Earth's surface.

Equator

The line at 0 degrees latitude, dividing the Earth into Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

Prime Meridian

The line at 0 degrees longitude, from which all other longitudes are measured.

GPS

Global Positioning System, used for determining location.

GIS

Geographic Information System, used for mapping and analyzing spatial data.

Absolute Location

The precise location of a place, often stated in coordinates.

Relative Location

A location described by its relation to other places.

Space

A physical area.

Place

The meaningful human experience attached to a space.

Independent Innovation

The concept where similar ideas develop independently in different cultures.

Diffusion

The process by which a cultural item spreads from group to group.

Hierarchical Diffusion

The spread of an idea or innovation from a person of power to others.

Contagious Diffusion

The rapid spread of a feature or trend through a population.

Stimulus Diffusion

The spread of an underlying principle, even if a specific characteristic fails to diffuse.

Relocation Diffusion

The spread of cultural traits through the movement of people.

Environmental Possibilism

The theory that human behavior is not determined by the environment but rather made possible by it.

Environmental Determinism

The belief that the physical environment affects human activities and culture.

Global Scale

A map or analysis that covers the whole world.

Regional Scale

A map or analysis focusing on specific groups of countries or areas.

National Scale

A map or analysis that focuses on a single country.

Local Scale

A map or analysis that focuses on specific cities or districts.

Glocal Scale of Analysis

The analysis of global issues in a local context.

Formal Region

An area inhabited by people who have one or more common traits.

Functional Region

An area organized around a node or focal point.

Perceptual Region (Vernacular)

An area defined by the subjective perceptions of its inhabitants.