Unit 1: Foundations of Spatial Inquiry

Absolute Location

The precise spot where something is according to a system, e.g., GPS coordinates.

Relative Location

Where something is in relation to other things; can change over time as connectivity changes.

Space vs. Place

Space refers to the physical gap between two objects, while Place refers to a specific point on Earth distinguished by characteristics.

Reference Maps

Designed for general information about places, including features like political and physical boundaries.

Thematic Maps

Maps that display specific data or spatial patterns and narrative.

Choropleth Map

Uses different shades or colors to represent values, often for showing density.

Dot Distribution Map

Uses dots to represent a specific value or event, visualizing spatial distribution.

Graduated Symbol Map

Uses symbols of different sizes to represent numerical values, comparing magnitude.

Isoline Map

Connects points of equal value with lines, used for weather or elevation.

Cartogram

Distorts land area to show the value of a specific variable, emphasizing inequality.

Map Projections

Methods used to represent the 3D Earth on a 2D surface, always involving some distortion.

Mercator Projection

Preserves direction but distorts area, notably impacting size representation near poles.

Peters Projection

Preserves area relative size but distorts shape of landmasses.

Robinson Projection

A compromise projection that distorts S.A.D.D. properties slightly; visually appealing.

Scale

The relationship between the size of an object on a map and its actual size on Earth.

Small Scale Map

Shows a large area with less detail, like a world map.

Large Scale Map

Shows a small area with more detail, such as a subway map.

Quantitative Data

Defines conditions using numbers and statistics; answers 'How many?' or 'How much?'

Qualitative Data

Describes the quality or character of a place; answers 'How does it feel to be there?'

GIS (Geographic Information Systems)

Technology that layers existing data onto a map for analyzing spatial relationships.

GPS (Global Positioning System)

Satellite system that determines the precise absolute location of something on Earth.

Remote Sensing

The acquisition of data about Earth's surface from satellites or drones without physical contact.

Location Theory

Business application of geographic data to determine optimal placement based on analysis.

MAUP (Modifiable Areal Unit Problem)

Phenomenon where results vary based on data grouping at different analysis scales.

Common Mistake: Map Scale Reversal

Confusing large scale with large area; large scale means large detail.

Common Mistake: GIS vs. GPS

Incorrectly using these terms interchangeably; GPS is for location, GIS is for analysis.

Common Mistake: Projection Confusion

Thinking Mercator projection is wrong; it is correct for its specific use case.

Reference vs. Thematic Map

Confusing highway maps with their type; thematic maps tell a data story.