Glossary
Absolute Location
The exact position of a place on Earth's surface, typically expressed using a coordinate system like latitude and longitude.
Example:
The absolute location of the Eiffel Tower is approximately 48.8584° N, 2.2945° E, which is fixed and precise.
Cartograms
Thematic maps that intentionally distort the size of geographic areas to represent the value of a particular variable, rather than true land area.
Example:
A cartogram showing global population might inflate the size of India and China, while shrinking countries with smaller populations, to visually emphasize population distribution.
Choropleth Maps
Thematic maps that use different shades of color or patterns to represent the average value of a variable within predefined areas, like states or counties.
Example:
A choropleth map might use darker shades of blue to indicate higher rates of voter turnout in different electoral districts.
Density
The frequency with which something occurs in a given area, often expressed as a ratio of the number of items to the unit of area.
Example:
Monaco has a very high population density, with many people living in a relatively small geographic area.
Distribution
The arrangement of something across Earth's surface, describing how phenomena are spread out or clustered.
Example:
The distribution of fast-food restaurants in a city might show a cluster near major highways and commercial centers, rather than being evenly spread.
Dot Density Maps
Thematic maps that use dots to represent the presence and quantity of a feature, where each dot represents a specific number of occurrences.
Example:
A dot density map illustrating population distribution might place one dot for every 1,000 people, showing areas of high concentration with many clustered dots.
Flow Maps
Thematic maps that use lines or arrows of varying thickness to show the movement of people, goods, or ideas between places.
Example:
A flow map could illustrate global migration patterns, with thicker arrows indicating larger numbers of migrants moving from one country to another.
Geographic Scale
The level of analysis at which a phenomenon is studied, ranging from local to regional, national, or global.
Example:
Studying climate change at a geographic scale of global analysis reveals worldwide temperature trends, while a local scale might focus on specific impacts on a single community.
Isarithmic Maps
Thematic maps that use isolines (lines connecting points of equal value) to show continuous data, often used for elevation, temperature, or precipitation.
Example:
A weather forecast often includes an isarithmic map with isotherms, lines connecting points of equal temperature, to show temperature gradients across a region.
Map Scale
The ratio between the distance on a map and the corresponding distance on the ground, indicating how much the real world has been reduced.
Example:
A map with a map scale of 1:10,000 means that one unit on the map represents 10,000 units in the real world, making it suitable for detailed local planning.
Place
A specific location on Earth that is defined by its unique combination of human and physical characteristics, giving it meaning and identity.
Example:
Paris is not just an absolute location; it's a place imbued with characteristics like its iconic architecture, romantic atmosphere, and vibrant arts scene.
Proportional Symbol Maps
Thematic maps that use symbols of varying sizes to represent the quantity or magnitude of a variable at specific locations.
Example:
A proportional symbol map could show the number of earthquakes in different regions, with larger circles indicating more frequent or powerful seismic events.
Regionalization
The process of dividing a large area into smaller regions based on shared characteristics, which can be physical, cultural, economic, or political.
Example:
The regionalization of the United States into the Northeast, Midwest, South, and West helps geographers analyze distinct cultural and economic patterns within each area.
Relative Location
The position of a place in relation to other places or features, often described using directional terms or proximity.
Example:
The relative location of Japan is east of mainland Asia, across the Sea of Japan, which influences its historical trade routes and cultural interactions.
Spatial Analysis
The process of examining the locations, attributes, and relationships of features in space to understand patterns and solve problems.
Example:
Urban planners use spatial analysis to determine the best locations for new public parks by analyzing population density, existing green spaces, and transportation access.
Spatial Thinking
The ability to understand and reason about relationships between objects in space, involving visualization and manipulation of abstract concepts in a spatial context.
Example:
A meteorologist uses spatial thinking to predict weather patterns by visualizing how air masses move and interact across different geographic areas.
Thematic Maps
Maps that display the spatial distribution of a specific theme or subject, such as population density, climate, or economic activity.
Example:
A thematic map showing the average income per household across different U.S. counties helps visualize economic disparities.
Time Distance
The amount of time it takes to travel between two locations, rather than the physical linear distance.
Example:
Even though two cities might be 100 miles apart, their time distance could vary significantly depending on traffic, road conditions, or available transportation methods.
Time-Space Compression
The reduction in the time it takes to diffuse something to a distant place as a result of improved communications and transportation technologies.
Example:
The rise of instant messaging and video calls has led to significant time-space compression, allowing businesses to collaborate globally in real-time, regardless of physical distance.
Why of Where
The fundamental question in geography that seeks to understand the reasons behind the spatial distribution of phenomena on Earth's surface.
Example:
Asking the Why of Where might lead a geographer to investigate why major tech companies are concentrated in Silicon Valley, considering factors like access to skilled labor and venture capital.