VCE G EOGRAPHY Spatial Concepts Reading reference :Geography Environments Chapter 1

What is a spatial conc ept? A spatial concept is a tool to help us describe the geographic characteristics of an environment. These help us answer the Where, What, Why, and How sort of questions about the world.

What are the spatial concepts? Movement Region Spatial Change Over Time Spatial Association (Spatial) Interaction Distribution Location Scale Distance MRSCOTSAIDLSDMRSCOTSAIDLSD

Location Location is where a feature is found on the earth's surface. We can describe it in an absolute location or as a relative location. Absolute: alpha numeric, latitude & longitude, 4 figure grid squares or 6 figure grid references. Relative: Uses distance and direction from a major feature. MRSCOTSAIDLSDMRSCOTSAIDLSD

Location MRSCOTSAIDLSDMRSCOTSAIDLSD Latitude and Longitude Grid Reference

Location MRSCOTSAIDLSDMRSCOTSAIDLSD

Scale Scale is the size of something compared to something else. Includes: ● Distances scales ● The size / importance of a phenomena ➔ Local, Regions, National, International or Global Why do we use a scale? MRSCOTSAIDLSDMRSCOTSAIDLSD

Scale Ratio or Fraction Scale 1:100,000 or 1/100,000 Line / Linear Scale Scale as a sentence '1 cm on the map represents 1 km in real life' MRSCOTSAIDLSDMRSCOTSAIDLSD km

Scale A large scale map represents a small area A small scale map shows a larger region MRSCOTSAIDLSDMRSCOTSAIDLSD

Scale MRSCOTSAIDLSDMRSCOTSAIDLSD

Distance MRSCOTSAIDLSDMRSCOTSAIDLSD Distance is a measure of space between different locations. We use the scale to measure this on a map. The absolute (linear) distance is measured in units (metres, kilometres..) Relative distance is the length of time taken to travel or the cost involved. e.g. Warrnambool is a 3.5 hour drive from Melbourne.

Distribution MRSCOTSAIDLSDMRSCOTSAIDLSD Distribution is the arrangement of things on the earth's surface. The different types of distribution patterns we see are clustered, dispersed, linear, radial or random.

Distribution MRSCOTSAIDLSDMRSCOTSAIDLSD When writing about distribution we discuss first the general pattern we see, then the quantification (statistics) and then finally the exceptions. An example statement could be 'Students tend to be clustered in small groups around the playground at lunch time. 90% of students will have a small social group they will hang out with. However, some students remain isolated during lunch time.' general pattern quantification exceptions

Distribution MRSCOTSAIDLSDMRSCOTSAIDLSD

Movement MRSCOTSAIDLSDMRSCOTSAIDLSD This involves the change in location of one or more things across the Earth's surface. Movement includes direction, method, rate and volume. We can look at the migration of people, the transporting of goods, services, money... We can think about questions like: where is the most movement, moderate movement or little to no movement?

Movement MRSCOTSAIDLSDMRSCOTSAIDLSD

Region MRSCOTSAIDLSDMRSCOTSAIDLSD Region is a definable area of the Earth's surface which contains one or more common characteristics that is distinguished from other areas. The states are different regions of Australia, Warrnambool and Geelong are different regions of Victoria. Regions can be different due to climate, language, government or many other reasons.

Spatial Association MRSCOTSAIDLSDMRSCOTSAIDLSD Spatial Association is association or connection between the distribution patterns of two or more things. Strong spatial associations occur when two distributions are similar. Weak associations are when there is little similarity between the two. Example: there is a strong association between the heat of the day and ice-creams being bought.

Spatial Association MRSCOTSAIDLSDMRSCOTSAIDLSD

Spatial Interaction MRSCOTSAIDLSDMRSCOTSAIDLSD Spatial interaction is the relationship between phenomena (people, resources...) and how they influence each other and the patterns they form. This often involves movement.

Spatial Change Over Time MRSCOTSAIDLSDMRSCOTSAIDLSD SCOT refers to the amount of change to the geographic characteristics of region over a period of time. These changes can be to the natural environment or the human environment.