AP HUMAN GEO texbook readings 3-4

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

A computer hardware and software system that handles geographically referenced data. Uses and produces maps and has the ability to perform many types of spatial analysis.

Global Positioning System (GPS)

Determines precise location based on satellite signals

Remote sensing

Using long distance methods like satellite imagery, drone photography, etc. to gather data about the Earth's surface

Mental map

Also known as "cognitive map"

Space

1. The set of all points 2. The three dimensions of height, depth, and width within which all things exist and move 3. A free or unoccupied area or expanse

Spatial interaction

The movement of people, goods and ideas within and across geographic space

The Five Themes of Geography

(M.R. HE.L.P.) location, place, human environment interaction, movement, & regions

Region

An area of Earth defined by one or more distinctive characteristics

Human environment interaction

Humans adapt, modify, & depend on an environment

Cultural landscape

The tangible physical record of a given human culture, the earth's surface as modified by human action, the combination of cultural and non

Environmental possibilism

Theory that the physical environment presents challenges that may set limits or impose requirements on human actions, but human choice & human potential has significant impact on social & economic development

Nonrenewable resource

A natural resource that is NOT replaced in a time frame comparable to its rate of consumption by humans

Environmental Determinism

The belief that physical environment determines potential for societal and economic development

Renewable resource

Any natural resource (as wood or solar energy) that can be replenished naturally with the passage of time

Cultural ecology

The study of the relationship between a culture group and the natural environment that it occupies

Toponym

The name given to a portion of Earth's surface; a place name

Distance decay

The effects of distance on interaction, generally the greater the distance the less interaction