Geography Test Vocab Flashcards
(24 cards)
Absolute location
tells you exactly where you are (latitude and longitude, street address)
Relative location
tells you where something is in relation to another place
Human Geography
Man-made geographical features
Physical Geography
Natural geographical features
Place
Explains what makes a particular location unique or distinct.
Region
an area that has one or more common characteristics
Formal Regions
An area where everyone shares one or more common characteristics. This type of region has a defined border.
Functional Regions
An area characterized around a focal point or theme. The common characteristic is most dominant at the center and diminishes outward
Great Circles
Surround the circumference of the earth. Longitude lines are great circles and the equator.
Latitude
Lines run East/West but measure North/South - of the Equator. When writing it comes first.
Longitude
Lines run North/South but measure East/West - of the Prime Meridian
Dot Map
A thematic map in which a dot represents some frequency of the mapped variable
Choropleth Map
A thematic map in which ranked classes (in an order) of some variable are depicted with shading patterns or colors for categories.
Proportional Symbol Map
A thematic map in which the size of a symbol (circle) varies in proportion to the frequency or intensity of the mapped variable.
Cartogram Map
A map that has been simplified to present a single idea in a diagrammatic way; the base is not normally true to scale.
TOADLS
T – Title
O – Orientation
A – Author
D – Date
L – Legend
S – Scale
Diffusion
The movement of something from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.
Demographics
The statistical characteristics of human population (age, gender, race, income, etc) - especially used to identify markets
Pattern
The geometric or regular arrangement of something in a study area
Cultural Diffusion
The spread of cultural items between individuals, whether within a single culture or from one culture to another.
Forced Diffusion
Occurs when one culture conquers or enslaves another culture and forces its own customs on the conquered people.
Direct Diffusion
When two cultures are very close to each other resulting in intermarriage, trade, and even warfare.
Indirect Diffusion
Happens when traits are passed from one culture through a middleman to another culture, without the first and final cultures ever being in direct contact.
Globalization
The development of a global society where people, money, information, and goods flow more freely across national borders.
