Geography: Nations, Megalopolis, Land Use and Urbanization

Developing Nations vs. Developed Nations

• Developing Nation: A country where most people have a lower standard of living and less access to goods and services compared to developed nations.
• Developed Nation: A country with higher income levels, industrialization, and modernization.

Megalopolis

• Megalopolis: A large urban area containing over 50 million people.
• Example: Bosnywash (Boston, New York, Washington D.C.)

Land Use and Strategic Sites

• Land Use: The purpose for which an area is used.
• Strategic Site: A location providing protection and control of territory. Often on raised land overlooking important routes.

Urbanization and Settlements

• Urbanization: The growth of urban areas, usually the expansion of cities into rural areas.
• Rural: Sparsely populated areas with fewer than 1000 people. Often includes farms and communities.
• Urban Settlement: A community with 1000 or more people living closely together.
• Suburban Settlement: Newer communities located on the outskirts of established cities.
• Example regarding Canada: 80% of Canadians now live in cities or towns.

Location Concepts: Site and Situation

• Site: The specific physical characteristics defining a place's location.
• Situation: The location of a place in relation to other places or larger features.

Location Determination Systems

• Alphanumeric Grid: An interlocking system of letters and numbers used to determine locations (like a grid).
• Latitude and Longitude: Locations measured in degrees north/south from the equator (latitude) and east/west from the prime meridian (longitude).

Types of Locations Based on Purpose and Features

• Harbour Site: Locations with natural harbors that offer shelter for ships and space for docks, warehouses, and factories, facilitating resource loading/unloading.
• Natural Resource Site: Locations developed around natural resources such as mines or waterfalls, providing access to materials and creating economic opportunities.
• Strategic Site: Locations chosen for protection and control of territory. Often near bodies of water or on high ground.
• Meeting Point Site: Locations at crossroads (waterways, highways, railways, roads), ideally suited for commerce, education, religious centers, and community hubs.

Maps

• Topographic Map: A detailed map with contour lines showing physical features and land elevation.
• Example: Hamilton, Ontario uses a topographic map with an alphanumeric grid.

Absolute vs. Relative Location

• Absolute Location: Precise location determined by a grid system (alphanumeric grid, latitude/longitude).
• Relative Location: A place's position in relation to another location.

Specific Case Study: Hamilton (Canada)

• Location: Situated on a harbour site, facilitating transportation of goods and materials (e.g., steel factories).
• Example: The presence of steel factories along the harbour is mentioned for cooling and ease of transport.

Explore the concepts of developing and developed nations, megalopolises, land use, strategic sites. Understand urbanization, rural areas, and urban settlements. Key geographical concepts overview.