Note
Studied by 4 peopleKBAT_Unit_1_Thinking_Geographically
Unit 1: Thinking Geographically
Key Concepts and Vocabulary
Important Terms
Absolute Direction: The cardinal directions; North, South, East, West.
Absolute Distance: Exact measurement of the distance between two locations.
Absolute Location: Specific location defined by coordinates (latitude, longitude).
Azimuthal Projection: A map projection in which the surface of the Earth is projected onto a flat surface; useful for air travel.
Cartogram: A map in which the sizes of countries or other areas are distorted based on a particular variable, such as population.
Cartography: The science and art of map-making.
Census: A systematic enumeration of a population conducted periodically.
Choropleth map: A thematic map in which areas are shaded or patterned in proportion to the value of a variable.
Core Demographic Features: Characteristics that help describe the population of a region, such as age, gender, income, etc.
Density: The number of individuals (or items) in a defined space.
Distance Decay: Concept that distance decreases the interaction or influence between two places.
Distributed: How features or data points are spread out over an area.
Dot map: A map that uses dots to represent the presence of a feature or phenomenon.
Ecological Perspective: Viewing geography with an understanding of the interrelationship between human activities and the environment.
Environmental Determinism: Theory suggesting that human behavior is shaped by environmental factors.
Flow: Movement of people, goods, or information across space.
Formal Region: Defined by official boundaries and uniformity in one or more characteristics.
Friction of Distance: The concept that distance affects interactions; further apart=less interaction.
Functional Region: Defined by a particular set of activities or interactions that occur within it; often centered around a node.
Gall-Peters Projection: A map projection that represents areas in true proportion but distorts shape.
GIS (Geographic Information Systems): Systems designed to capture, analyze, manage, and present spatial or geographic data.
Globalization: The increasing interconnection and interdependence of economies and cultures worldwide.
GPS (Global Positioning System): A satellite-based navigation system that allows a receiver to determine its exact location.
Graduated Symbol Map: A thematic map where the size of the symbols varies in proportion to the value of the data.
Human Geography: The study of human activities and their relationship to the physical environment.
Isoline Map: A map with continuous lines that connect points of equal value.
Location: The specific position of something in geographic space.
Map Projection: A method for representing the curved surface of the earth on a flat surface.
Map Scale: The ratio of a distance on a map to the corresponding distance on the ground.
Mental Map: A person's point-of-view perception of their area of interaction.
Mercator Projection: A cylindrical map projection that distorts size but preserves angles; commonly used for navigation.
Node: A central point in a functional region.
Pattern: The arrangement of objects in space.
Perceptual (Vernacular) Region: A region defined by perceptions and not formal boundaries.
Periphery: The outer limits or edges of an area, often economically dependent on the core.
Physical Geography: The branch of geography dealing with natural features and processes.
Place: A specific point on Earth distinguished by a particular characteristic.
Possibilism: The theory that the environment sets certain constraints or limitations, but culture is otherwise determined by social conditions.
Population: The total number of people who inhabit a specific area.
Qualitative Data: Non-numerical information that describes qualities; often subjective.
Quantitative Data: Numerical information that can be measured and analyzed statistically.
Reference Maps: Maps that show the location of the geographic areas for which statistical data are being reported.
Region: An area defined by one or more distinctive characteristics.
Relative Direction: Directions based on the viewer's perspective (e.g., left, right).
Relative Distance: The distance between two places as compared to another distance.
Relative Location: The position of a place in relation to other places.
Remote Sensing: The acquisition of information about an object without physical contact, often using satellite or aerial imagery.
Robinson Projection: A map projection that attempts to balance distortions by not completely preserving shape, area, distance, or direction.
Scale of Analysis: The level of detail and the specific geographical scope used to analyze data.
Semi-Periphery: The countries that are more developed than the periphery but are not as developed as the core.
Site: The physical character of a place; the specific attributes of a location.
Situation: The location of a place relative to its surroundings and other places.
Space: The physical gap or interval between two objects.
Spatial Distribution: The arrangement of various phenomena across the Earth's surface.
Spatial Perspective: An approach that focuses on patterns of human behavior and their relationships to the physical world.
Sustainability: The ability to maintain what we have without compromising future generations.
Sustainable Development: Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Thematic Maps: Maps that focus on a particular theme or subject area and display data related to that theme.
Theory: A set of principles on which the practice of an activity is based.
Time-Space Compression: The idea that technological advances reduce the time it takes for something to reach another place.
Topography: The arrangement of the natural and artificial physical features of an area.
World Systems Theory: A theory that sets a framework for understanding the world system by examining the relationships of the world's countries.
Skills to Develop
Map Types and Purposes
Identify types of maps:
Reference Maps: display geographic areas; used for general navigation.
Thematic Maps: focus on specific themes or variables; reveal spatial distributions of phenomena.
Different representations include:
Dot Distribution Maps: show density by using dots.
Choropleth Maps: illustrate data by shading regions.
Graduated Symbol Maps: use symbol size to convey data.
Cartograms: manipulate scale based on data.
Isoline Maps: connect points of equal value.
Strengths and weaknesses of each:
Reference maps are more accurate for navigation, while thematic maps are better for analysis of specific data.
Identifying Absolute Location
Use of a grid system with latitude and longitude to determine locations on maps.
Map Projection Issues
Understand that all maps use projections to represent Earth's three-dimensional surface, which can lead to distortions.
Different projections:
Azimuthal: distorts shapes.
Mercator: preserves angles but distorts area.
Gall-Peters: maintains area but distorts shape.
Robinson: attempts to minimize distortion across all properties.
Geographic Data Collection Methods
Various methods to gather geographic data:
GIS: integrates various data sources for analysis.
Remote Sensing: captures data from satellites.
Fieldwork: involves direct observation in the study area.
Analyzing Spatial Relationships
Define major geographical concepts illustrating spatial relationships:
Environmental determinism vs. possibilism.
Use real-world examples to articulate these theories.
Scales of Analysis
Different scales of analysis include:
Global, Regional, National, Local.
Effective use of scales reveals insights into geographical data and their implications.
Defining and Categorizing Regions
Identify and explain various region types:
Formal Region: uniform in characteristics (e.g., language).
Functional Region: defined by specific functions or interactions (e.g., metropolitan area).
Perceptual Region: defined by subjective perceptions (e.g., the South).
Decision-Making Using Geographical Data
Geographical data influences personal, business, and government decisions. Understand the implications of these decisions.
To learn geographical concepts quickly, consider these strategies:
Chunking Information: Break down the material into smaller, manageable sections. Focus on one concept or vocabulary set at a time.
Active Recall: Use flashcards to test your memory on key terms and concepts. Regularly quiz yourself to reinforce what you've learned.
Visual Aids: Use maps and diagrams to visualize information, such as different map projections and their characteristics.
Study Groups: Join or form study groups to discuss concepts and quiz each other.
Practice Application: Relate concepts to real-world examples or current events to better understand and remember them.
Review Regularly: Schedule regular review sessions to revisit the material and strengthen your memory retention.
To learn geographical concepts quickly, consider these strategies:
Chunking Information: Break down the material into smaller, manageable sections. Focus on one concept or vocabulary set at a time.
Active Recall: Use flashcards to test your memory on key terms and concepts. Regularly quiz yourself to reinforce what you've learned.
Visual Aids: Use maps and diagrams to visualize information, such as different map projections and their characteristics.
Study Groups: Join or form study groups to discuss concepts and quiz each other.
Practice Application: Relate concepts to real-world examples or current events to better understand and remember them.
Review Regularly: Schedule regular review sessions to revisit the material and strengthen your memory retention.
To learn geographical concepts quickly, consider these strategies:
Chunking Information: Break down the material into smaller, manageable sections. Focus on one concept or vocabulary set at a time.
Active Recall: Use flashcards to test your memory on key terms and concepts. Regularly quiz yourself to reinforce what you've learned.
Visual Aids: Use maps and diagrams to visualize information, such as different map projections and their characteristics.
Study Groups: Join or form study groups to discuss concepts and quiz each other.
Practice Application: Relate concepts to real-world examples or current events to better understand and remember them.
Review Regularly: Schedule regular review sessions to revisit the material and strengthen your memory retention.