Geography Concepts Flashcards

Front

Absolute direction

Back

Based on the cardinal points North, South, East, and West. These appear uniformly and independently in all cultures, derived from obvious evidence in nature.

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Absolute distance

Back

Exact measurement of the physical space between two places.

Front

Absolute location

Back

The exact position of an object or place, measured within the spatial coordinates of a grid system (latitude and longitude).

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Census data

Back

Periodic count of a population, in the U.S. every 10 years, which collects data indicating a multitude of demographic indicators (for example, ethnic composition, age profiles, religious beliefs, access to plumbing). It is also significant in the U.S. for representation in the House of Representatives (federal government).

Front

Grouping

Back

To gather; to form into a group or to be together, more densely populated.

Front

Dispersion

Back

To spread out, movement of individuals moving away from centers of high population density or from their area of origin. Opposite of aggregation.

Front

Decrease with distance

Back

The decrease in importance and eventual disappearance of a phenomenon as the distance from its origin increases.

Front

Elevation

Back

The height of land above sea level, which can influence population distribution, agricultural practices, and access to water.

Front

Environmental determinism

Back

A doctrine that asserts that cultural traits are formed and controlled by environmental conditions.

Front

Field observations

Back

A study of a phenomenon or group of people in a natural setting.