AP Human Geo Vocab Quiz 4

cartography

the art and science of maps and mapping

Reference map

A general-purpose map that attempts to show geographic features such as roads and landforms accurately and detail

thematic map

(syn: statistical map) A specific-purpose map that shows the distribution of one or a few themes or variables, such as unemployment rates by county

graduated circle map

A proportion area symbol map using circles.

proportional area symbols

Symbols of different size on maps to indicate the magnitude of a variable of interest in different places; the larger the symbol, the greater the magnitude of the variable.

dot map

a thematic map that shows the occurrence of one or more instances of a feature with a dot at a particular location.

isoline

A map line connecting points or equal value on some variable, such as elevation precipitation, travel time

choropleth map

a thematic map that shows the values of a quantitative variable for each region by shading or coloring the regions to correspond with the variable's value

statistical map

A thematic map that shows counts of a mapped item per unit area or location

cartogram

a thematic map that shows the values of a quantitative variable for each region by shrinking or expanding the sizes of the regions to correspond with the variable's value

Global Positioning System (GPS)

relies upon a system of 24 orbiting satellites, earth bound tracking stations that control that satellites, and portable receivers that determine the exact geographic locations based on the time delays in signals received from three or more satellites.

remote sensing

Any of several techniques of obtaining images of an area or object without having the sensor in direct physical contact with it, as by aerial photography or satellite sensors.

Geographic information system (GIS)

Integrated computer software and hardware for storing, processing, analyzing, and displaying data specifically referenced to locations on the surface of the earth

raster approach

A data model for digital geographic information in which the landscape is broken into small cells, each of which contains a numerical value reflecting the degree of presence of some feature

mental maps

(syn: cognitive map) By analogy to a cartographic map, the set of metal representations people hold in their mind that express their beliefs and knowledge about the layout of the environment at different scales , wheather neighborhoods, cities, regions, countries, or the entire world. The representations are subjective and influenced by personal feelings, and may be quite incomplete and distorted as compared to the actual layouts.

spatial system

The arrangement and integrated operation of phenomena produced by or responding to spatial processes on the earth's surface.

model

An idealized representation, abstraction, or simulation or reality. It is designed to simply real-world complexity and eliminate extraneous phenomena in order to isolate for detailed study casual factors and interrelationships of spacial systems.