Introduction to Maps (1.1)

Flashcards cover core concepts from 1.1 Introduction to Maps: map types, spatial patterns, map projections, distortions, and related concepts.

What does the statement 'Geography is the why of where' mean?

Geography explains why things are where they are and how they relate to each other in space.

What are the two main categories of maps?

Reference maps and thematic maps.

Name three examples of reference maps.

Political maps, Physical maps, and Road (navigation) maps.

List the types of thematic maps mentioned.

Choropleth, Dot-Density, Graduated/Proportional Symbol, Cartogram, Isoline & Topographic.

Define a choropleth map.

A map that uses colors, shades of a color, or patterns to show the location and distribution of spatial data.

Define a dot-density map.

Each dot represents a specified quantity of a spatial characteristic, used to show density.

Define a graduated/proportional symbol map.

Uses symbols of different sizes to indicate different amounts of a variable.

Define a cartogram.

The sizes of countries or areas are shown according to a specific variable, with area distorted to reflect that variable.

Define an isoline map.

Uses lines that connect points of equal value to depict variations in data across space (e.g., weather, elevation).

Define a topographic map.

Elevation is shown through contour lines or shading to indicate terrain.

What is a map projection?

The process of showing the curved surface of the Earth on a flat surface; maps are selective in what they portray.

What does SADD stand for in map projections?

Shape, Area, Distance, and Direction (the four types of distortions).

What are the Mercator projection's advantages and disadvantages?

Advantages: preserves direction and shape; good for navigation. Disadvantages: area distorted near the poles; high-latitude regions appear larger.

What are the Peters Equal-Area projection's advantages and disadvantages?

Advantages: area is accurate; countries resized to true size. Disadvantages: shapes distorted near the poles; vertical stretching near the equator.

What is a key idea associated with the Gall-Peters projection?

It emphasizes true area to challenge Eurocentric map bias and highlight the relative sizes of regions in the Global South.

What is the Robinson projection known for?

A compromise projection with no major distortions; balances shape, area, distance, and direction for a general/global view.

Name other projections mentioned besides Mercator, Peters, and Robinson.

Conic, Azimuthal, and Fuller projections.

Why are maps not neutral or objective?

Cartographic choices shape perceptions and can reflect power dynamics; examples include Mercator emphasizing Northern Hemisphere size and Peters advocating fairer area representation.

What is absolute location?

Exact coordinates or address (e.g., latitude and longitude).

What is relative location?

Location in relation to other places (near, next to, between), often described contextually.

What is absolute distance?

The exact measured distance between places (miles, kilometers, feet).

What is relative distance?

Perceived or functional distance (e.g., online shopping reducing effective distance).

What is absolute direction?

Cardinal directions (N, S, E, W) indicating exact orientation.

What is relative direction?

Direction based on a reference point or context (e.g., left of the Target, north of the river).

What is clustering in spatial patterns?

Features that are close together.

What is dispersal (distribution) in spatial patterns?

Features that are far apart or spread out over an area.

What are patterns and spatial associations?

Indicates that two or more phenomena may be related, associated, or correlated.

What is spatial interaction?

Connections, contacts, movement, and flow of things between places (e.g., goods, information, people).