UNIT 1: THINKING GEOGRAPHICALLY

Reference map

Shows locations and features for general reference.

Thematic map

Shows the geographic pattern of one topic.

Spatial pattern

The arrangement of features across space.

Absolute distance

Exact distance measured in units such as miles or kilometers.

Relative distance

Distance described by time, cost, or effort.

Absolute direction

Direction using compass points.

Relative direction

Direction described in relation to another place.

Clustering

Features grouped close together.

Linear pattern

Features arranged along a line.

Dispersal pattern

Features spread apart.

Elevation

Height above or below sea level.

Map projection

Method of showing Earth's curved surface on a flat map.

Map distortion

Errors in shape, area, distance, or direction on a flat map.

Large-scale map

Shows a small area with more detail.

Small-scale map

Shows a large area with less detail.

Geospatial technology

Tools for collecting, analyzing, and displaying location data.

GIS

Computer system that layers and analyzes geographic data.

GPS

Satellite-based system used to determine location.

Remote sensing

Collecting information about Earth from a distance.

Census data

Population information collected through an official count or survey.

Satellite imagery

Images of Earth's surface collected by satellites.

Absolute location

Precise location, often given with coordinates.

Latitude

Distance north or south of the Equator.

Longitude

Distance east or west of the Prime Meridian.

Equator

Line at 0° latitude dividing Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

Prime Meridian

Line at 0° longitude.

International Date Line

Generally follows 180° longitude where the date changes.

Relative location

Location described in relation to other places.

Site

Physical characteristics of a place.

Situation

Location relative to other places, routes, or features.

Place

Location with distinctive physical and human characteristics.

Sense of place

Feelings or meanings people attach to a location.

Toponym

A place name.

Distance decay

Interaction generally decreases as distance increases.

Time-space compression

Technology reduces the time needed to connect places.

Diffusion

Spread of ideas, traits, people, or innovations.

Hearth

Place where an idea or cultural trait originates.

Accessibility

How easily a place can be reached.

Sustainability

Meeting current needs without harming future generations' ability to meet theirs.

Environmental determinism

Idea that the physical environment strongly determines human behavior and culture.

Possibilism

Idea that people can choose how to adapt to environmental opportunities and limits.

Global scale

Analysis at the level of the whole world.

National scale

Analysis at the level of a country.

Local scale

Analysis of a small area, such as a neighborhood.

Region

Area grouped by shared characteristics or connections.

Formal region

Region defined by shared measurable characteristics.

Functional region

Region organized around a central node and its connections.

Perceptual region

Region based on people's shared ideas or perceptions.