Unit 1: Thinking Geographically (copy)

Space

The geometric surface of the Earth, defined by the location of objects and their distance from one another.

Activity space

The area wherein activity occurs on a daily basis.

Place

An area of bounded space with human importance.

Toponym

A place-name assigned to a location that recognizes its human importance.

Regions

Types of places, including formal, functional, and vernacular, characterized by distinct features.

Sequent occupancy

The succession of groups and cultural influences throughout a place’s history.

Scale

The relationship of an object or place to the Earth as a whole.

Map scale

The ratio of distance on a map to distance in the real world.

Formal regions

Bounded areas that have some homogeneous characteristic or uniformity.

Ecotone

The environmental transition zone between two bioregions.

Functional regions

Areas that have a central place or node that expresses some practical purpose.

Intervening opportunity

An attraction at a shorter distance that takes precedence over a farther attraction.

Absolute location

Defines a point on the map using coordinates such as latitude and longitude.

Prime Meridian

0° longitude that runs through Great Britain.

Equator

0° latitude, dividing the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

Linear absolute distance

The distance between two places measured in linear units like miles or kilometers.

Tobler’s law

States that all places are interrelated, but closer places are more related than those farther away.

Friction of distance

Refers to the inhibitory effect of distance on interaction between two points.

Space-Time Compression

Decreased time and relative distance between places due to technological advances.

Central Places

Nodes of human activity, often centers of economic exchange.

Central Place Theory

Proposed by Walter Christaller, analyzing city location and urban economic exchange.

Cluster

When things are grouped together on the Earth’s surface.

Agglomeration

Purposeful clustering around a central point or economic growth pole.

Arithmetic density

Number of things per square unit of distance.

Physiologic density

Number of people per square unit of arable land.

Expansion diffusion

Pattern originating in a central place that expands outward in all directions.

Choropleth maps

Thematic maps that express geographic variability using color variations.

Equal-area projections

Maps that maintain area relations but may distort shape.

Gravity model

A mathematical model used to analyze transportation flow and area influence.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Systems for spatial analysis and mapping using data layers.

Global Positioning System (GPS)

A network of satellites providing measurable radio signals to determine location.

Remote-sensing satellites

Use computerized scanners to record data from the Earth’s surface.

What is relocation diffusion?

Relocation diffusion is the spread of a cultural phenomenon through the movement of people from one place to another.

Define contagious diffusion.

Contagious diffusion is the rapid, widespread diffusion of a characteristic throughout the population, often resulting from direct contact.

What is hierarchical diffusion?

Hierarchical diffusion is the spread of a feature or trend from one key person or node of authority to other persons or places.

What is stimulus diffusion?

Stimulus diffusion occurs when a cultural trait spreads to another culture, but is adapted or changed to fit that culture.

What is the difference between expansion diffusion and relocation diffusion?

Expansion diffusion involves the spread of a trend or feature from its original place while remaining in that area; relocation diffusion involves the movement of people who bring cultural traits to new areas.