Human Geography

What period of Europe's history led to the creation of more accurate world maps?

. From the 1500's to the 1700's

Discuss the impact of globalization in the following areas; A. Globalization of economy - What factors have contributed and what has been the outcome? B. Globalization of culture - What factors have contributed and what has been the outcome?

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How can misinterpretation of scale lead to false conclusions about the data portrayed on a map? Give an example.

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How does scale size impact the truth of a map and its resolution? Give an example.

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What is the difference between absolute, relative and psychological distance? Give an example of each.

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What are the problems with using arithmetic density that can lead to false assumptions?

1. A large number does not necessarily lead to a high density. For example, the arithmetic density of the UnitedKingdom is 626 persons per square mile while the arithmetic density ofChina is 327 persons per square mile. China, with nearly 1.2 billionpeople, is the most populous nation in the world, yet it is only about ½ as densely populated as the United Kingdom. Although China has 20 times more people, it has nearly 40 times more land. The most densely populated nation in the world is Monaco, with 44,286 persons per square mile. 2. Arithmetic density does not provide an accurate reflection of uneven distribution. For example, China's arithmeticdensity of 327 persons per square mile would appear to be asustainable number given its total land area. However, that numberdoes not reflect that over 80% of China's population is clustered alongthe east coast in only about 25% of the land area creating extremelycrowded conditions in that particular area. 3. High arithmetic density is unrelated to poverty. For example, the Netherlands with a high arithmetic density of 976 personsper square mile is also one of the world's wealthiest nations. Whereas,Mali, with an arithmetic density of only 21 persons per square mile, isone of the world's poorest countries.

Identify and define the characteristics of scale.

1. Characteristics of scale; a. Each place on the Earth is in some ways unique and in other ways similar to other places. This interplay between uniqueness andsimilarity lies at the heart of the geographic concern for scale. b. Interdependence occurs at multiple scales, from local to global. c. Tobler's first "law" of geography is that in a spatial sense, "everything is related to everything else", but near things are more related than distant things. d. Scale implies the degree of generalization represented.Geographic inquiry may be broad or narrow. It may occur at many differentscales. At a local scale, geographers tend to see features, while at the global scale, geographers tend to see patterns. e. In geography, concepts, relationships, and understandings that have meaning at one scale may not be applicable at another scale. f. Geographic "truth"depends on one's scale of inquiry. Differentconclusions concerning spatial associations and regional characteristics maybe reached depending on scale.

What are the 4 common methods of map projection? What is each used for?

1. Cylindrical Projection- Used to create conformal maps, such as the Mercator. It is the type of projection selected for maps that require accurate properties in the equatorial and low latitude regions. Scale is correct in those regions, but is inaccurate at middle and high latitudes. 2. Conic Projection - Used to create maps such as regional maps. It is the type of projection selected for maps that require accurate properties in the middle latitudes. Scale is correct in those regions, but is inaccurate at low and high latitudes. 3. Flat Plane Projection - Used to create azimuthal maps such as the polar (planar) projection. It is the type of projection selected for maps that require accurate properties in the high latitudes. Scale is correct in those regions but is inaccurate at middle and low latitudes. 4. Oval Projection - a commonly used technique that combines properties of the cylindrical and planar projections used to create equal-area maps such as the Molleweide.

Identify practical applications of geography at the local or regional level.

1. Establishment of recycling programs. 2. The conversion of land from agricultural use to residential developments. 3. Finding the best location for water sources such as dams, reservoirs, wells and pipelines. 4. Identification of the need and best location for airport expansion. 5. Monitoring and preserving air quality. 6. Selecting the best, most cost efficient location of public buildings, such as schools, recreation centers, hospitals, and libraries. 7. Selecting the most cost effective and profitable sites for new businesses. 8. City planning and urban zoning such as establishing efficient school zones and mass transit routes.

What are the differences between the disciplines of geography and history?

1. Geographers ask where and why. a. Geographers think spatially. That is, they want to understand thearrangement of people and activities found in space and try to understand why those people and activities are distributed as they are. b. Geographers are interested in the location of places and an explanation of why human activities are located beside one another in space. c. Geographers organize material spatially because they understand that an action at one point in space can result from actions happening at another point. d. Geographers can visually study other spaces. e. Geographers use maps as a method of depicting the distribution of features and as a tool for explaining observed patterns.

Identify, define the purpose, and recognize examples of graduated circle maps, dot maps, isometric maps, isopleth maps, choropleth maps, statistical maps, and cartograms.

1. Graduated Circle maps (Proportional circle maps) use circles of different size to show frequency of occurrence of a topic in different places. The larger the circle, the more frequent the occurrence. 2. Dot maps use single dots to record the number of occurrences of an item in a given area. The more dot present, the greater the number of occurrences. 3. Isometric maps use isolines that connect points of equal value of the items mapped. Relief maps use contour lines and weather maps use isotherms. 4. Isopleth map's calculations refer to an areal statistic and the isoline connects average values per unit area. The area within the isoline is usually colored or shaded to approximate the uniform appearance of the item mapped and the isoline may be treated as the boundary of a uniform region. 5. Choropleth maps present average values of the data studied per per-existing areal unit. Each unit is colored or shaded to suggest the magnitude of event or item. 6. Statistical maps record the actual number of occurrences of the mapped item per established unit area. 7. Cartograms use statistical data to transform territorial space so that the largest areal unit on the map is the one showing the greatest statistical value.

What were the problems associated with Ptolemy's world maps?

1. He exaggerated the size of the land area from Spain to China. 2. He underestimated the size of the Atlantic Ocean. 3. He underestimated the circumference of the Earth at about half its actual size.

What are the 3 map scale sizes? What types of maps would each be used for?

1. Large scale maps - 1/100,000 (1 inch = 5 miles) - maps thatcover only local, or small areas, but can be drawn accurately. They are used for applications that require detailed, accurate maps such as zoning or street maps, or navigation. 2. Medium scale maps - between 1/100,000 and 1/1,000,000 - maps that cover regional areas such as portions of continents, countries, or states. These types of maps are found in many road atlases. 3. Small scale maps- 1/1,000,000 (1 inch = 500 miles) - maps of the world with abstract symbols. They are useful for general planning and reference where detail is not important.

What are the 2 main purposes of maps?

1. Maps serve as a tool for storing refrence material Maps help us find the shortest routes and locate places in relation to other places we know. 2. Maps serve as a tool for communicating geographic imformation. A map is often the best way of depicting the distribution of human activities or physical features, as well as thinking about the underlying reasons for their distribution.

What are the 3 types of map scales? Which provides the most precise calculation of distance?

1. Statement Scale - a simple sentence relating distance on amap to distance on the Earth. It is not intended for precise calculations, onlyto give a rough idea of size and distance. Example; 2. Bar Scale- a short line divided into equal partsrepresenting miles or kilometers. It is useful for reduced or enlarged copiesof maps since scale stays in proportion. It is also known as a graphic scale. Example; 1 inch equals 100 miles 3. Repesentative fraction scale- relates distance on a map to distanceon the Earth using fractions, where the numerator is the distance on themap and the denominator is the distance on the Earth. In order to use RFscale, one must convert the denominator into a meaningful groundmeasurement such as miles. (For example, 633,600 inches equals 10 milessince there are 63,360 inches to a mile.) This scale is useful for precisecalculations since one simply multiplies between points by the denominatorof the scale. Computer manipulation and analysis of maps is based on theRF scale. Ex: 1/100,000 Representative Scale

Identify and define the 5 ways of thinking about the world that form the basis of geographic inquiry?

1. Thinking about space- Geographers observe regularities acrossEarth and depict them on maps. 2. Thinking about place- Geographers describe the unique location of everything on Earth. 3. Thinking about regions- Geographers identify areas of the world formed by distinctive combinations of features. 4. Thinking about scale- Geographers understand how each place is unique yet at the same time similar to other places. 5. Thinking about connections- Geographers explain relationships among places and regions across space.

Identify and define the 4 basic map components.

A. Title identifies what the map is about and what part of the Earth it shows. B. Legend or Key explains the meanings of the colors and symbols usedon a map. The legend or key may also contain relief, or elevations, whichcan be shown using colors or contour lines, also known as isolines. This is particularly important to topographic maps. C. Maps must contain a tool for orientation. The most commondirection indicator is a compass rose which may contain both cardinal and intermediate directions. 1. Absolute direction is based on the cardinal points of north, south,east, and west. These points derive from the "givens" of nature - the rising of theSun in the east and the setting of the Sun in the west, the location of thenoontime Sun, and certain fixed stars for north and south. Absolute direction isuniform and universally accepted in all cultures. 2. Relative direction, also known as relational direction, it isdirectional references which are culturally based and locationally variable. Forexample, expressions such as "out west" or "back east' or "down south"illustrate relative direction. 3. Direction can also be found using latitude and longitude. D. Maps must contain a tool for measuring distance. The most common distance tool is a map scale. Very important point - the amount of detail on a map is dependent on scale. The "truth"of a map is dependent on scale. Without an understanding of map scale, one caneasily draw false conclusions from the information presented on a map. 1. Absolut distance- the spatial separation between two points on the Earth's surface measured by some accepted standard unit such as miles or kilometers for widely separated locations or feet or meters for more closely spaced points.

What is the difference between absolute and relative direction?

Absolute direction is based on the cardinal points, and relative direction is directional references.

In which type of map projection do parallels and meridians cross at right angles?

Broken Projection

Why is geography referred to as the spatial science?

Contemporary geography is the scientific study of the location of people and activities across Earth, and the reasons for their distribution.

Identify and define are the 2 major branches of geography? What are the major areas of study within each branch?

Geography as a physical, or natural, science. Physical-concentrates on the causes anddistribution of physical features, such as topography, climate, vegetation, and soil Geomorphology; Diastrophism, Volcanism, Graduation Meteoroloygy Climatology Biogeography Natural/social-Human Geography concentrates on cultural features such aslanguage, religion, ethnicity, customs, political boundaries, agriculture, industry, and cities. Its emphasis is on people, their distribution, attributes, interactions, the kinds of landscapes of human use they erect on the natural landscape, and the impact of human landscapes on the natural environment Cultural geography Population geography Political geography Economic geography Urban geography Environmental geography / Cultural Geography

Who took up the cause of geographic inquiry when Europe entered the Middle Ages?

In 1925, Carl Sauer, a geographer from the University ofCalifornia at Berkeley, charted a new course for generations of geographers.

What group first gave structure to the discipline of geography?

It was early Greek geographers who first gave structure to the discipline.

What is map bias?

Map bias involves intentionally altering a map to present a particular point of view or objective, either positive or negative, about an area of the Earth's surface.Maps are persuasive because of their implied precision. However, they can subtly manipulate the message they impart or contain intentionally false information in a variety of ways; 1. Map Orientation - a map centered on the Atlantic Ocean leads one to believe it is the most important ocean and those countries adjacent to it are the most important. Whereas, a map centered on the Pacific Ocean world leads to different assumptions. 2. Color and size - countries or regions in bright, bold colors and of large size can lead one to conclude that they are the most important because the eye is automatically drawn to them. 3. Place Names 4. Misleading representations - mapmakers can intentionally misrepresent the location of places to achieve a certain objective. For example, during the Cold War, the USSR would create maps that intentionally showed the incorrect location of certain areas that were sites of nuclear weapons or important military facilities. 5. Map key and map scale - mapmakers can misrepresent scale or the legend to prove a point, especially in maps containing numerical values where two maps are tobe compared.

What is the primary type of map used for the navigation of ocean going ships?

Mercator Projection

Which type of map projection would not show a compass rose? Why?

Polar Projection, because north and south follow meridians rather than straight lines.

What is the type of map used by airline pilots? Why?

Polar Projection, because they are good for showing Great Circle routes.

Identify and define the two main categories of maps. What types of maps fall into each category?

Reference maps- used for locating or navigating between places.Their purpose is simply to show without analysis or interpretation a variety ofnatural or human features of an area. They are also known as general purpose maps or location maps. 1. Physical maps focus on topography and natural landscape. 2. Political maps focus on national, regional, or state boundaries and usually include capitals and major cities. 3. Economic maps focus on land use, agriculture, trade, income, manufacturing. 4. Road maps are used to plan routes and calculate distances for travel. 5. Historical maps focus on boundaries or events in the past and the changes that have occurred over time. B. Thematic maps - also known as special interest maps, they are maps of any scale that present a specific spatial distribution or a single category of data. 1. Two types of thematic maps; a. Qualitative maps - shows the distribution of a particular class ofinformation. It focuses on location only and usually provides no other data. Forexample, a map showing the location of the world's oil producing fields mayuse symbols or colors, but provides no information on the number of barrels produced by each field. b. Quantitative maps - shows the spatial characteristics of numericaldata, usually using a single variable such as population, income, etc., and themap displays variation from place to place in that feature. Types of quantitativethematic maps include;

What 2 inventions in the 20th century allowed accurate mapping? Explain how each contributed to contemporary cartography.

Remote Sensing - The gathering and recording of information about the Earth's surface using aerial photography and satellite images. Aerial Photography- Pictures taken from above the Earth in airplanes, used to study relationships involving people and places not easily seen on the ground.

What are the 4 most important map properties?

Shape, size, distance, direction

What are mental maps? How are they developed and how are they used?

They are maps people keep in their minds based on objective knowledge and subjective perception.

Identify and define the 4 ways to express location.

Toponyms- reflect historical and political perspectives. Site- the physical characteristics of a place including topography,climate, soil, and vegetation. It is the actual physical location of a place. Situation- the location of a place relative to other places suchtrade centers, resources, transportation routes, and other clusters ofpopulation. It is a method of determining relative location. Mathematical Location - also known as absolute location, it is the precise spot on the Earth's surface found usinglatitude and longitude.

Identify, define, and recognize the 3 main properties of distribution.

a. Density - the frequency with which something occurs in space,usually expressed as the number of objects per given land area, yielding anumerical value. The formula for density; Density = Area Number of objects b. Concentration- the extent of features spread over space. c. Pattern- the geometric arrangement of objects in space.

Identify and define other ways to gather and manipulate geographic information.

a. G.I.S.(Geographic Information System)- High performance computer software that processes geographic data. Each type of data is stored as an "information layer". These layers can be combined to show relationships among different types of information. G.I.S. is both a software package and a database using one of two approaches; 1. Raster approach divides the study area into a set of rectangular cells and describes the content of each cell. 2. Vector approach describes the precise location of each object in a distribution. b. Visualizations - the use of sophisticated software to create dynamic computer maps, some of which are three-dimensional and interactive. c. Field Work - On site, hands on collection of data through observation and measurement for later interpretation and analysis. d. Data Bases Collections of statistical data useful for analyzing trends and comparing factors in various areas. e. Primary Sources - First- hand information found in newspapers, journals, magazines, or books. f. Diagrams - Visual, often graphic representations of geographic information useful for comparing data, analyzing relationships, and drawing conclusions or making generalizations.

Site - Identify historically important site factors and disadvantages of site.

a. Hilltop sites - Rome, Italy and Athens Greece b. Confluence sites - Jerusalem, Israel and Khartoum, Sudan c. Island sites - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Paris, France d. Peninsula sites - Singapore, and Hong Kong, China A major disadvantage to selecting a location based solely on site has to do with size.

Place Names - Identify the origins of place names, differing perspectives of place names, and place name confusion.

a. Israel- Jewish name of the territory granted to the Jews by the United Nations in 1948. b. Palestine- Arabic name for the same territory which was dominated by the Arabs prior to becoming Israel in 1948. c. West Bank Gaza - Name given to parts of this territory, such as the West Bank and Gaza Strip by members of the international community who do not wish to appear to support either the Jewish or the Palestinian claim to this area. In September, 2005, Israel withdrew its troops and citizens from the West Bank, relinquishing all claims to that region. -Example; a. Taiwan - the name of the island off the southeast coast of China that is recognized internationally on most maps. b. Formosa - the name given to the same island by early Portuguese explorers. c. Republic of China- the name given to the island by the Nationalist Chinese who escaped China when it was taken over by thecommunists. They claim to be the true government of China and were recognized as such by the United Nations until 1971. - Place names may reflect a physical or human characteristic or influence; Examples; 1. Physical setting; Virginia Beach 2. Founder; Newport News 3. Social custom; St. Louis or San Diego 4. Political change; Leningrad (USSR) vs. St. Petersburg (Pre and Post USSR) - Place name confusion can arise if locals use names other than the official name found on maps. For example, the Queensborough Bridge in New York City is known by the locals as the 5th Street Bridge. - Political changes can also cause place name confusion. Nowhere was this more apparent than during the political upheavals on the Balkan Peninsula following the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe in the late 1980's. The balkanization of the former Yugoslavia led to a number of new place names based on ethnic origin, such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia and Montenegro, and Kosovo. In fact, many debate whether Yugoslavia still exists as a political entity.

What were the achievements of early Greek and Roman geographers?

a. Measured the circumference of the Earth. b. Devised the global grid of parallels and meridians. c. Used that global grid to draw surprisingly sophisticated maps of their known world. d. Employing nearly modern concepts, they described river systems, explored the causes of erosion, cited the dangers of deforestation, described variations in the natural landscape, and the patterns and processes of climate, vegetation, and landforms, creating the field of study known as physical geography. e. Against this physical backdrop, they focused on what humansdid at home and in distant areas - how they lived, what their distinctive similarities and differences were in language, religion, and customs, and how they interacted with the land they inhabited, creating the field of study known as human geography.

Identify and define the characteristics of place.

a. Places have location, direction, and distance with respect to other places. b. A place has size; it may be large or small. Scale is important. c. A place has both physical structure and (cultural human) content that distinguishes it from other places. No two places are exactly the same. 1. Physical aspects of place can include topography, climate, vegetation, or soil. 2. Cultural aspects of place can include customs, values, language, religion, ethnicity, history, politics, economy, population and urban patterns, etc. d. The attributes of places develop and change over time as a result of a wide range of environmental and human factors. Place identity includes characteristics as they appear today and in the past. Places are the cumulative legacy of change. e. The elements of places inter-relate with other places. f. The content of places is rationally organized. g. Places may be generalized into regions similarities and differences. h. Places provide settings for people's daily lives, and from these settings people learn who and what they are and how they should think and behave. i. Places exert a strong influence on people's physical well-being, their opportunities, and lifestyle choices. j. Places contribute to people's collective memory and become powerful, emotional, and cultural symbols of cultural identity. k. Places are sites of innovation, change, and of resistance and conflict. They serve as culture hearths.

What is the difference between population density and population distribution maps?

a. Population Density maps show how many people are located in a given area. b. Population Distribution maps show where people are located in a given area.

Mathematical location - How is it found using latitude and longitude?

a. Two primary reference points; 1. Equator - 00 latitude, it divides the Earth into northernand southern hemispheres. 2. Prime Meridian- 00 longitude, it divides the Earth intoeastern and western hemispheres. b. Lines of latitude are called parallels and extend east to west and are used to measure north and south of the Equator. c. Lines of longitude are called meridians and extend north to south and are used to measure east and west of the Prime Meridian.

Identify the advantages and disadvantages of maps and globes.

earth's axis, allowing for rotation. 1. Advantages; a. Shape - since a globe is spherical like the Earth, it allows the following; 1. Direction ( the shapes of land and water) is accurate. 2. Distance of parallels and meridians is accurate. 3. Direction and Distance are correct. b. Great Circle (Example - the Equator). Globes show these circles accurately which is important when measuring distances because they are the shortest distance between two points on the Earth 2. Disadvantages of globes; 1. Globes are often not practical to use because they are not portable and can only show one-half of the Earth at a time. 2. Because globes must display the entire Earth, individual areas are small and cannot show great detail. B. Maps - flat representations of the Earth that vary in size and purpose. 1. Advantages; a. Maps are portable and can be collected in an atlas, are flexible in terms of subject matter shown and the size of the area. As a result, they can show more detail. b. Maps reflect changes over time in terms of; 1. Knowledge - technological improvements are reflected in increasingly comprehensive and accurate maps. For example, compare the map used by Columbus to the satellite maps used today. 2. Place Names - will change depending on which culture dominates and what name is internationally accepted. For example, Taiwan is the name used by most of the world for that country. However, the people of the island and China refer to it as the Republic of China. 3. Boundries - will change as a result of imperialism, colonialism, war, occupation, treaties, or alliances. For example, the name changes that occurred in Eastern Europe upon the collapse of communism. 4. Perspectives of place names - can differ from one culture to the next as a result of nationalism, historic claims of territory, or international recognition. For example, the Persian Gulf is the name recognized by most of the world for that body of water. However, Saudi Arabia calls it the Arabian Gulf on its maps. 5. Disputed areas are usually shown on maps using a dotted or dashed line. Examples; a. Korea is divided at the 38th parallel between communist North Korea and democratic South Korea. b. Western Sahara, one a part of Morocco, shows on maps as a disputed area as a result of independence movements and freedom fighters within the region seeking complete autonomy from Morocco. c. Former Yugoslavia has disappeared completely as various ethnic groups in this former communist nation have fought for and gained independence. d. Kashmir, a region located in northwest India, is claimed by both India and Pakistan, resulting in a long standing conflict over its control. 2. Disadvantages; a. Distortion - it is impossible to accurately show a three-dimensional object on a flat, two-dimensional map. Some land and water forms will appear larger or smaller on a map than they actually are on a globe. b. Map bias involves intentionally altering a map to present a particular point of view or objective, either positive or negative, about an area of the Earth's surface.Maps are persuasive because of their implied precision. However, they can subtly manipulate the message they impart or contain intentionally false information in a variety of ways; 1. Map Orientation - a map centered on the Atlantic Ocean leads one to believe it is the most important ocean and those countries adjacent to it are the most important. Whereas, a map centered on the Pacific Ocean world leads to different assumptions. 2. Color and size - countries or regions in bright, bold colors and of large size can lead one to conclude that they are the most important because the eye is automatically drawn to them. 3. Place Names 4. Misleading representations - mapmakers can intentionally misrepresent the location of places to achieve a certain objective. For example, during the Cold War, the USSR would create maps that intentionally showed the incorrect location of certain areas that were sites of nuclear weapons or important military facilities. 5. Map key and map scale - mapmakers can misrepresent scale or the legend to prove a point, especially in maps containing numerical values where two maps are tobe compared.

Situation - Identify the importance of situation and how it can change.

it isimportant because it provides access to other important places. It can improve over time, and It can deteriorate over time due to resource exhaustion,agricultural decline, climatic change, or political developments.

What is the difference between mathematical location and relative location?

mathematical is the precise spot, and relative is the position