Political Geography

The study of the spatial and areal structures and interactions between political process and systems

The "father" of political geography

A strong emotional attachment to one’s territory that develops among members of tribes, nations, and other peoples at varying geographic scales. It often fosters a determination to defend the territory against any outside encroachment. Although often compared to animal territoriality, many social scientists reject notions that it is a genetic trait.

An envelope of territory surrounding people which they perceive as an extension of themselves. Distances vary among cultures and in regard to space in front of, beside, and behind people.

The tendency for dominant cultural groups to settle in the most desirable regions, thus creating identifiable spatial patterns across States and regions.

Directions such as north, east, south, west, northwest, southeast, etc. Compass bearings are also included. One can travel in virtually any of these directions from any spot on Earth with the exception of traveling north from the North Pole or south from the South Pole.

Any established distance that is unchanging. For instance, a centimeter, a meter, and a kilometer are all the same length regardless of one’s location on Earth.

A specific location that is frequently measured using a grid system. Examples include latitude and longitude coordinates, street intersections, and the location of seats in a classroom.

A technique for providing two-dimensional representation on a map of the Earth’s three-dimensional, spherical surface.

The relationship between distance on a map and distance in the real world between places depicted on the map. A large-scale map shows greater detail, but less area, than a small-scale map which shows larger areas in less detail.

Any graphic device used to represent natural or artificial features on a map.

A cognitive map based on one’s perceptions of a place.

A map that is designed for the purpose of promoting a State or other entity’s objectives.

One region typically named by people from another region based on the direction they would take to reach it. For instance, the people in the eastern United States gave the Midwest its name to distinguish it from the Far West. People in California, however, would travel east to reach the Midwest. Other examples include the Near East, Middle East, and Far East, based on European and North American perspectives.

Distance as measured by non-absolute criteria such as travel time or psychological factors. The construction of an interstate highway through an area of rugged terrain can drastically shorten relative distance even though there are only minor changes to the absolute distance.