Why is Each Point on Earth Unique?

Place, Regions, and Spatial Association

Place: A particular spot

41°39′31″N 91°33′4″W

Location

Location: the position that something occupies on Earth’s surface.

4 Ways to identify location:-place name- site-situation-mathematical location

Place Name

Toponym: the name given to a place on Earth.

Often based on factors Religion (St. Louis) Person (Lincoln, NE) Environment (Hot

Springs)

Site

Physical character of a place

Characteristics: Climate Water sources Elevation Soil

Sites can be modified (land reclaimed

from the sea)

Situation

Location of a place relative to other places Helps to find

unfamiliar places (‘next to the courthouse’)

Helps in understanding a location’s importance (ex. port cities)

Mathematical Location

Precise location of any place on Earth’s surface

Measured by Meridians (longitude) and Parallels (latitude)

Mathematical Location

Parallel – Circle drawn around the globe Parallel to the

equator (0 degrees latitude)

At right angles to the meridians

Latitude - numbering system for using parallels to pinpoint location

Mathematical Location Meridian – Arc drawn

between the North and South Poles

Longitude – numbering system for using meridians to pinpoint location

Prime Meridian Point of 0 and 180

degrees longitude Greenwich, England

RegionsAreas of unique characteristics

Types of Regions

Formal Region Everyone shares

one or more distinct characteristics

Common language, similar climate, form of agriculture, etc.

Present (or dominant) throughout the entire region

Functional Region

AKA “Nodal region”

Functional Region Area that is

organized around a focal point

Ex. Local TV stations, newspapers

Influence fades farther away from the focal point, and eventually disappears

Vernacular Region Vernacular Region

Place that people believe exists as part of their cultural identity

Example 1—The EASTSIDE!!▪ East side pride▪ Lee Township against the

world Example 2—The South▪ Cotton production▪ Lower education levels▪ Confederacy/Civil War▪ Baptists▪ Hot summers