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Systems, Science, & Study

Scale in Space and Time, by John C. Hudson

Ch 13 Geography’s Inner Worlds (1992)

Hudson, 2001 Scale in Space and Time

Simplification vs. Generalization

• Geography focuses on “real world” scales, processes that are natural or human in origin fall in a continuum of local-to-global scales

- Climate research is a good example of a field of geographic research that spans the local-to-global continuum

• Time is difficult to represent on maps

• Map generalization is necessary for making plain the components of an argument, or making a map convenient

Central Point: Pattern is linked to scale and generalization

Road maps to the average tourist vs. a geographer have different information content

- Patterns relate to physical and socioeconomic processes (form and process)

- “bundles” of concepts are linked to patterns

- “Lumping and splitting”, the conceptual process of understanding

Map of drought frequency, showing “isohyets” (lines of equal precipitation)

Borchert’s map showing the shape of the “Prairie Peninsula”

Hudson, 2001 Scale in Space and Time Hudson, 2001 Scale in Space and Time

Borchert’s map vs. a vegetation map

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Hudson, 2001 Scale in Space and Time

Spatial autocorrelation

Map complexity

What is the difference between Simplification and Generalization?

• Simplification = information removal

• Generalization = selective information removal

Scale – Large vs. Small

http://www.sbmtd.gov

nonScaled Maps - Exaggeration (Generalization)STORES IN SPRINGFIELDAkira’s Karate SchoolAll Creatures Great and CheapThe Brushes Are Coming, The Brushes Are ComingThe Caramel Corn WarehouseCookie ColossusCockamamie'sThe Creamatorium (ice cream store)Dingo JunctionDonner's Party SuppliesThe Ear PierceryExpensive Coffee in Little CupsEye Caramba!Family JewelsFancy StylesFrame AnythingGiftlandGirdles N' Such - Fancy LingerieGoody New ShoesGum for LessHailstone'sThe Happy Sailor Tattoo ParlorHealth for LessHouse of No RefundsI Can't Believe it's a Law Firm

International House of Answering MachinesIPO Fridays Investment BrokersThe Jerky HutJust VideosKidstown, USAThe Ladder BarnLeftopolisThe LeftoriumLe Pamperie Hair SalonLove Your ComputerMiscellaneous, Etc.Nick's Bowling ShopNick's NaxOne Size Fits All LingerieOrange JuliusOrigami Designs

Party HartiesPhineas Q. Butterfat's 5600 Flavors Ice Cream Parlor (also Downtown)Perky HutPlunderer Pete'sPopcorn ShackPopular BooksRadio HutShakespeare's Fried ChickenShoes for TotsSimply Shoes (and Athletic Equipment and Activewear)Something Wicker This Way ComesSpringfield CinemaSpringfield Hunting SuppliesSpringfield Nutrition CenterStan's KeyboardsStar Bucks (numerous stores)Sweet Home AlabamaThe Tam O'Shanter ConnectionTommy HillclimberTongs R UsVendettaVitamin BarnWicked ExcessYogurt NookYogurt Time

Placenames of Springfield

- Not geographic information, just a list of names (data)

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Map of Springfield (Simpson’s)

Source: http://www.csupomona.edu/~jelerma/springfield/ Source: http://www.csupomona.edu/~jelerma/springfield/

Geographic information, location in the non-real world