Geography Notes

Main Parts of Geography

• Two key questions: Where and Why
  • Where: Studies Earth, nature, and biological systems.
  • Why: Studies human activities.

Types of Maps

Reference Maps

• Definition: Display general information and geographic features.
• Examples:
  • Political Maps
  • Physical Maps
  • Red Maps
  • Plat Maps
  • Mental Maps

Thematic Maps

• Definition: Focus on spatial aspects of specific information.
• Examples:
  • Choropleth Maps
  • Dot Maps
  • Graduated Symbol Maps
  • Isoline Maps
  • Cartograms
• Best map for hiking trips: Isoline map (displays elevation and terrain).

Comparing Map Types

• Choropleth Maps vs. Cartograms:
  • Choropleth Maps: Use color to display data density.
  • Cartograms: Adjust the size of regions based on a specific variable (e.g., population).

Map Scale

• Large Scale Maps: Zoomed in; show more detail.
• Small Scale Maps: Zoomed out; provide less detail.

Location and Distance

• Absolute Location: Specific, fixed point (e.g., coordinates).
• Absolute Distance: Measurable space between two locations (e.g., 5 miles away).
• Relative Location: Description of a place in relation to others (e.g., Los Angeles is south of San Francisco).
• Relative Distance: Time taken to travel between places (e.g., one hour to get to school).

Map Projections

• Definition: Methods of depicting Earth's surface on a flat plane.
• Types of Projections:
  • Conic Projection: Shortest flying distance calculation.
  • Mercator Projection: Accurate directions for navigation.
  • Robinson Projection: Minimizes distortion across features.
  • Planar Projection: Suitable for viewing polar areas.

Data Types

Quantitative Data

• Definition: Uses facts, statistics, and charts.
• Advantages:
  • Repeatable, good for modeling, limits generalization.
• Disadvantages:
  • Only answers closed-ended questions.
• Examples: Population statistics, GDP.

Qualitative Data

• Definition: Uses opinions and subjective assessments.
• Advantages:
  • Good for understanding cultures and quality of life.
• Disadvantages:
  • Risk of generalization; hard to replicate.
• Examples: Interviews, surveys, reports.

GPS vs. GIS

• GPS (Global Positioning System): Determines exact location using satellites.
• GIS (Geographic Information Systems): Uses multiple digital maps for analyzing spatial data (e.g., pollution levels, land use).

Map Scale Applications

• Local Scale Example: Mayor planning a new hospital.
• National Scale Example: Apple deciding where to build a factory.
• Global Scale Example: Federal government planning a new interstate highway.

Five Themes of Geography

1. Location
2. Regions
3. Place
4. Movement
5. Human Environment Interactions

Sense of Place

• Strong Sense of Place: Familiar locality, emotional ties.
• Opposite: Unfamiliar place or neutral location.

Distance Decay

• Definition: Phenomenon where the interaction between two locales decreases as distance increases.
• Examples:
  • Local restaurant frequented by locals but not tourists.
  • Mobile signals weaken further from a radio tower.

Time-Space Compression

• Definition: Concept describing how modern technology reduces the distance decay effect, enhancing connectivity.

Sustainability

• Definition: Using resources today in a way that ensures they remain available for future generations.

Regions

• Definition: Areas sharing common traits or characteristics.
• Types of Boundaries:
  • Transitional Boundary: Divides political entities.
  • Contested Boundary: Poorly defined ethnic/racial boundaries.
  • Overlapping Boundary: One area belongs to multiple regions.

Types of Regions Comparison

Formal Region

• Definition: Uniform area united by one trait.
• Example: Spanish-speaking countries.

Functional Region

• Definition: Organized around a center or node.
• Example: Chicago as an airport hub.

Perceptual Region

• Definition: Defined by feelings and ideas.
• Example: The area between San Diego and Los Angeles as a cultural region.