Geography: Maps, Distribution, and Spatial Concepts (Fill-in-the-Blank)

Fill-in-the-blank flashcards covering key geography concepts from Pages 1–3, including physical vs. human geography, map types, distributions, scales, spatial data, and geospatial technologies.

The study of Earth's natural features (mountains, rivers, climate) is .

Physical geography

The study of people, cultures, and how humans interact with places is .

Human geography

A simplified representation of reality to explain or predict things is .

Models

A representation that shows how things are arranged across space (maps, diagrams) is a .

Spatial models

A nonspatial model explains concepts without showing location (flowcharts, graphs); this is .

Nonspatial models

The farther away something is, the less connected it tends to be; this is called .

Time-distance decay

The arrangement of things on Earth's surface is the .

Spatial patterns

A map that shows landforms and natural features is a .

Physical maps

A map that shows highways, streets, and travel routes is a .

Road maps

A map showing property boundaries and ownership is a .

Plat maps

Thematic maps show specific information or themes (like climate, population). These are .

Thematic maps

maps use colors/shades to show data differences.

Choropleth

maps use dots to show where things are located.

Dot distribution

maps use bigger/smaller symbols to show more/less of something.

Graduated symbol

is the exact spot on Earth (coordinates).

Absolute location

Latitude are horizontal lines measuring north–south distance from the .

Equator

The is the zero latitude line dividing Earth into north and south halves.

Equator

are vertical lines measuring east–west distance from the Prime Meridian.

Longitude

The is the zero longitude line dividing east and west hemispheres.

Prime Meridian

The line where the date changes by one day is the .

International Date Line

Relative location describes where something is compared to something else.

Relative location

describes how things are spread out.

Distribution

is a distribution where things are grouped close together.

Clustered distribution

distribution is arranged in a straight line.

Linear distribution

distribution is spread out.

Dispersed distribution

distribution is arranged in a circle.

Circular distribution

distribution is arranged in a set pattern (square, triangle, etc.).

Geometric distribution

distribution has no clear pattern.

Random distribution

are connections linking places or people.

Networks

data refers to numbers and measurable info.

Quantitative data

of analysis refer to the level you study something (local, regional, global).

Scales of analysis

maps show locations and features for general use.

Reference maps

maps show countries, states, and borders.

Political maps

maps use lines to connect areas with the same value (temperature, elevation).

Isoline maps

maps show elevation using contour lines.

Topographic maps

distorts map size to show data (population, economy).

Cartogram

(cartographic) scale is the relationship between map distance and real distance.

Scale (cartographic)

maps show large areas with less detail.

Small-scale maps

maps show small areas with more detail.

Large-scale maps

is how places are linked together.

Connectivity

is how easy it is to reach a place.

Accessibility

is the path from one place to another (north, south, etc.).

Direction

distance is the exact physical distance between places.

Absolute distance

distance is how far something feels, considering time, cost, or effort.

Relative distance

is height above sea level.

Elevation

is studying visible features of land to understand history or change.

Landscape analysis

data is data tied to specific locations.

Spatial data

photography are pictures taken from the air.

Aerial photography

observations are notes or data collected by directly visiting a place.

Field observations

is gathering info about Earth from satellites or aircraft.

Remote sensing

is collecting info outside in the real world.

Field work

is using maps and images to display data visually.

Geovisualization

is Global Positioning System; finds exact location using satellites.

GPS

is Geographic Information System; stores, analyzes, and maps geographic data.

GIS

is a fix for problems created and carried out by the people who live there.

Community-based solution