Unit 1: Thinking Geographically

This set of flashcards covers key concepts from the lecture on Human Geography.

What is the focus of Human Geography?

The study of people and places, how we make places, organize space and society, and interact with each other.

What are reference maps used for?

To show landforms and/or places.

What does a thematic map display?

Specific types of information (theme) pertaining to an area.

What is a cartogram?

A thematic map that shows statistical data by transforming space.

Define absolute distance.

Measurement using a standard unit of length (e.g. mile, kilometer).

What is relative distance?

Measurement of the social, cultural, and/or economic connectivity between places.

How is absolute direction defined?

Finding a location using compass direction (e.g. north, south, east, west).

What does GIS stand for and what is its purpose?

Geographic Information System; it displays and analyzes data to gain insights into geographical patterns.

What is distance decay in geography?

The idea that the likelihood of interaction diminishes with increasing distance.

What is globalization?

The process of increased interconnectedness among countries, particularly in economics, politics, and culture.

What are natural resources?

Something found in nature that is necessary or useful to humans, such as forests, minerals, and water.

Define formal region.

A region marked by a shared trait, such as cultural or physical characteristics.

What is the difference between a functional region and a perceptual region?

A functional region is marked by a set of activities occurring around a node, while a perceptual region exists as an idea or an identity.

What are geospatial technologies?

Technologies that provide geographic data used for personal, business, and governmental purposes.

What is absolute location?

The precise location of a place using the Earth's Graticule (latitude and longitude).

What is the significance of human-environment interaction in Human Geography?

It explores how humans adapt to, modify, and depend on their environment.

What are the main uses of choropleth maps?

To visualize numerical data in relation to geographical areas, often using shades to represent different values.

What factors influence absolute direction?

Geographical coordinates, the Earth's rotation, and the positioning of the magnetic north.

How do cultural landscapes reflect human activity?

They are visible representations of the cultural practices, beliefs, and identities of a society as shaped by human interaction with the environment.

What role do urban areas play in globalization?

Urban areas often serve as economic and cultural hubs that facilitate global connections and exchange.