Unit 1: Thinking Geographically

Physical Geography

natural processes and distribution of features in the environment

Human Geography

events and processes of humans understanding, using, and altering the Earth

Spatial

where things are located and why they are there

Ecological

studying interactive and interdependent relationships (humans and the environment)

Spatial and Ecological

humans interacting with the environment

Distance Decay

the further you are away from something, the less of an impact it has on you

Location

position that a point or object occupies Earth

Absolute Location

exact location; longitude and latitude

Relative Location

where a place is in relation to other places

Place

a location distinguished by physical and human characteristics

Physical vs. Human

weather,landforms,animals/language,religion,culture

Site

absolute location; physical or human characteristics

Situation

relative location; how the physical and human characteristics are in relation to others

Space

the area between two or more things on Earth

Density

number of things in a specific area

Pattern

how things are arranged in a particular space

Environmental Determinism

the belief that human behavior is controlled by the physical environment (most social scientists don’t believe in this)

Possibilism

the belief that humans can produce results, not be determined

Scale

area of the world being studied (statistics can be deceiving depending on the scale)

Formal region

area with one or more shared traits with the people, physical or human

Functional region

areas organized by its function around a node

Node

the focal point of a region

Perceptual (Vernacular) region

a region in someone’s mind that reflects their impressions, feelings, or attitudes about a place

Core Countries

Wealthier, higher education, advanced technology, control global market, strong and stable political structures, interconnected by transportation and communication, skilled labor force, exploit semi-, colonial powers became core. 

Semi-Periphery Countries

Potential to become core, process of modernizing and industrializing, manufacture and export goods with skilled work force, exploit periphery.

Periphery Countries

less wealth, lower education, weak technology, less stable gov., poor healthcare, inferior transportation and communication system, less skilled force, exploited because of cheap labor and natural resources, some colonial powers.

Globalization

Countries are connected by transportation, technology, communication, and trade.

Wallerstein’s World System Theory

describes the spatial and functional relationships between countries in the world’s economy. They are core, semi-periphery, and periphery. It explains uneven economic development.

Sustainability

use of land and resources in a way to avoid depletion. The geographic approach is key for a sustainable future of humanity. Challenges of climate change, wealth inequality, and depletion of resources.

Sustainable Development 

Meets the current needs without compromising future generational needs

Quantitative Data

Information measured by numbers

Qualitative Data

Interpretations of data sources

GIS (Geographic Information Systems)

Captures data creating simple and complex maps. It can combine physical and human geography on one map. Helps geographers make connections. Finding answers to research-based problems.

Geovisualization

Allows communities to plan for the future locally and globally. It takes geographic data and turns it into pictures that are simpler to understand.

Remote Sensing

Gathers data without making contact. Allows geographers to see trends. Ex: farmers use drones to see crops or cluster of disseized plants.

GPS (Global Positioning System)

31 satellites orbiting Earth that transmit location data. Allows us to determine precise distance between 2 points. Velocity and variety of data is a double-edge sword. Finding locations

Cartographers

mapmakers, that make maps for routes and distance.

Absolute Distance

Standard unit of measurement (miles)

Relative Distance

Other Criteria (time/money)

Absolute Direction

NSEW (cardinal compass)

Relative Direction

left, right, up, down, and or perceptions

Large-Scale

detailed map of a city: ½ inch = quarter mile. 1: 20,000 

Medium-Scale

Map of a state: ¾ inch = 100 miles. 1:250,000

Small-Scale

Map of a region (Atlantic Coast States): ½ inch = 400 miles. 1:2,000,000

Mercator Map Projection

Shows true direction (good for navigation). Distortion area, size distorted increasingly near poles.

Gall-Peters Map Projection

Shows true direction (area relatively precise). Distorts shape, continents appear extended in length. 

Robinson Map Projection

Globe-like that looks real (minimally distorts shape). Precise measurements, extreme polar distortions.

Azimuthal Map Projection

Preserves direction (viewed at North Pole, no center country) Distorts shape and area, only shows one half of Earth.

Reference Map

Generalized sources of data and focus on location. Road map is most common (like WAYS app) from point A to point B. Focus on geographic locations

Thematic Map

Theme, topic, or specific purpose

Ex: spread of disease, trade patterns

Data relates to certain points, lines, and areas on a map. Focus on geographic information.

Isoline Maps

Connect data points (elevation, temperature) with lines gradually.

Choropleth Maps

Use color or shading 

Graduated Symbol Maps

Larger symbols mean larger group being discussed.

Cartogram Map

Shows information by proportion. Ex: Larger populated US States are drawn larger in proportion.

Personal and Organizational Data Decision Making

Homes, commute, transportation. Insurance companies view floodplain maps.

Governmental Data Decision Making

Roads, water, sewer, taxing, police, disaster. Socioeconomic problems.

Flow

Describes patterns of spatial interaction between different locations

Time-Space Compression

Refers to the decreased distance between places measured by the time or cost it takes to travel between them.