GEOG 1HA3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Spatial Scale
22 Jun 2018
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LECTURE 1: Key Concepts in Human Geography
1. Space: Areal extent (within the earth’s surface)
Absolute Space: objective, physically real, with measurable extent and desirable
boundaries. E.g.: McMaster Campus of 50 acres in the West of Hamilton.
It is key to map makers and used in mathematical projections.
Relative Space: Subjective, not permanent, varies overtime and is based on one’s
perception. e.g.: A new student would perceive the McMaster campus differently than
say a student in their third year.
It is used in topological maps where scale, distance and directions are not as important
e.g. subway maps, bus routes, etc. It shows the relationship between points.
2. Location: particular position in space ( within that areal extent)
Absolute (mathematical) location: latitude and longitude coordinates. They are very
unique points and are relatively unchanging.
Relative location: subject to change and interpretation. It involves thinking of a location
in relation to another. E.g. the museum is next to the bank.
Nominal (toponym) location: a place name.
Contested? Location names can be contested.
Locational understanding: Historical insights as to why a place has a name
3. Place: location that has a particular identity, meaning, or significance. It can have meaning to
individuals or a collective group. Location + cultural/human meaning = place.
Example: childhood home, neighborhood, current residence, favorite restaurant or bar.
Sense of Place: personally significant attachments to places.
Some places can evoke a sense of place even if you haven’t been there e.g. Disney
World, Niagara Falls, etc. Sense of Place can be reinforced by the local and regional
characteristics of culture- the flavor of places.
find more resources at oneclass.com
find more resources at oneclass.com
Document Summary
Lecture 1: key concepts in human geography: space: areal extent (within the earth"s surface) Absolute space: objective, physically real, with measurable extent and desirable boundaries. : mcmaster campus of 50 acres in the west of hamilton. It is key to map makers and used in mathematical projections. Relative space: subjective, not permanent, varies overtime and is based on one"s perception. e. g. : a new student would perceive the mcmaster campus differently than say a student in their third year. It is used in topological maps where scale, distance and directions are not as important e. g. subway maps, bus routes, etc. Location: particular position in space ( within that areal extent) They are very unique points and are relatively unchanging. It involves thinking of a location in relation to another. E. g. the museum is next to the bank. Locational understanding: historical insights as to why a place has a name: place: location that has a particular identity, meaning, or significance.
