Maps that show the absolute location of places and geographic features.

Maps that tell stories or have a theme, typically showing the degree of some attribute (displaying data) or the movement of a geographic phenomenon.

The arrangement of something across earth’s surface; described by observing concentration, density, and pattern.

A system used to transfer locations from Earth’s surface (3D) to a flat map (2D), there are many different ways of attempting to do this.

Inaccuracies created by trying to display the spherical world onto a two-dimensional map.

Data that has locational information tied to it such as coordinates, an address, city, or ZIP code.

The acquisition of data about Earth’s surface from a satellite orbiting the planet or from other long distance methods.

A computer system that stores, organizes, analyzes and displays geographic data. Maps are created as thematic layers and can be overlaid to study relationships.

A system that determines the precise position of something on Earth through a series of satellites, tracking stations, and receivers.

A complete enumeration (counting) of the population. A government survey of demographic, economic, and social characteristics completed every 10 years in the United States.

The exact location of anything on Earth’s surface, usually expressed as a coordinate pair.

The location of anything on Earth’s surface described by referencing another location.

A specific point on Earth distinguished by particular unique characteristics (site, situation, toponym).

The mobility of people, goods, and ideas across the surface of the planet.

The region from which an innovation or idea originates