Notes, abstracts, papers, exams and problems of Geography

Understanding Urban Planning: Key Concepts

Metropolitan Area: A large urban extension surrounding a major city, which covers several municipalities, among which there are significant economic and social relations.

Peri-urban or Suburban Area: An imprecise boundary zone where soils are mixed and rural lifestyles and the city coexist.

Old Town: The part of the city from its beginnings to the 19th-century industrialization.

City: A core population of over 10,000 people, characterized morphologically by its high density of buildings, dominated by high buildings and collective housing, which usually dominate economic activities of secondary and tertiary sectors, with a more dynamic culture and less traditional social relations and condition of the organization... Continue reading "Understanding Urban Planning: Key Concepts and Definitions" »

**_Colonial Imperialism_**

Historical Context

Colonial imperialism was a phenomenon that emerged as a product of the historical, colonial, industrial, and capitalist revolution of the 19th century (1870-1914).

Unlike the old empires of the medieval era, contemporary colonialism was characterized by the conquest and economic exploitation of certain territories. Colonies were not integrated into the metropolis, which ruled in its exclusive right and exploited the human and material resources of the colonies. A minority of soldiers and businessmen led this exploitation.

**_Factors or Causes of Colonial Imperialism_**

1. Economic and Social Factors

• **Need for Resources:** Colonies were needed to provide food for a rapidly growing population in Europe,

19th Century City: Growth and Transformation

With the start of the first industrial revolution, the city experienced great growth and a remarkable transformation:

• Trams and trains allowed the urban space to be extended on the surface. Improved building techniques and the generalization of lifts allowed buildings to grow in height, with taller structures.
• Population growth necessitated the demolition of city walls and the design of new urban plans.

The extension of the town took place along the tram and rail lines, taking a tentacular form. The transport network was radial.

The city center brought together economic activities, except for industry, which was located on the outskirts.

In the historical center, planned neighborhoods with a grid road

Territorial Balance and Development

Areas of Development and Territorial Balance

To balance regional logistics centers and their geographical position, Spain has always been a land of passage between Europe, the Iberian Peninsula, and North Africa, facilitating trade and transit of goods and people, both through the corridor of the Ebro and the Mediterranean corridor, as well as by sea.

This fact, and its strong industrial activity, encourage that Catalonia is a first-class logistics center in the European context.

Logistics platforms are fundamental logistics infrastructure, designed to support logistics and freight, and are therefore necessary to ensure supply to production and consumption. They are connected with one or more high-capacity roads... Continue reading "Territorial Balance and Development in Spain: Logistics Hubs" »

1. The Beginnings of Christianity

The early events of the Christian era mark the birth of Christianity as a doctrine, ideology, and state faith. This religious movement continued until 313 AD.

2. The Birth of Islam

In 570 AD, Muhammad was born in Mecca. An orphan, he worked in a caravan company owned by Khadija, a wealthy widow. Knowledgeable in Judaism and Christianity, he began preaching a religion recognizing one God, Allah, in 610 AD. Initially facing opposition from Mecca's inhabitants, Muhammad fled to Yathrib in 622 AD. This flight, known as the Hegira, marks the beginning of the Islamic era. After raising an army and conquering Mecca, Islam gained widespread acceptance.

3. The Expansion of Islam

The Muslim expansion, initiated by Muhammad... Continue reading "Medieval History: Christianity, Islam, Crusades, and the Rise of Capitalism" »

The Inca Civilization

The origin of the Incas is estimated to have been in the late 12th century when a small tribe settled in the valley of Cuzco. They founded their capital there and later became a vast and powerful empire that kept their traditions, myths, and legends, like other peoples on this continent.

Their economic activities were:

• Agriculture
• Trade
• Metalworking
• Hunting
• Fishing

The Maya Civilization

When the Maya flourished, theirs was an empire that covered all of Mesoamerica. They lived in the jungles of Peten, Guatemala, part of Yucatan, western Honduras, and El Salvador. The Maya flourished between the years 300-900 AD, a time known as the Classic Period. But suddenly, at their peak, they collapsed and disappeared. Two hundred years later,... Continue reading "Inca, Maya, and Aztec Civilizations: History & Culture" »

Primary Sector: Agriculture and Raw Materials

The primary or agricultural sector consists of economic activities related to the transformation of natural resources into unprocessed primary products. These primary products are often used as raw materials in industrial production. The main activities of the primary sector are agriculture, mining, livestock, forestry, apiculture, aquaculture, fishing, and hunting. Industrial processes that are limited to packing, preparation, or purification of natural resources are often considered part of the primary sector as well, especially if the product is difficult to transport long distances under normal conditions. The primary sector is often a significant part of developing countries' economies.

Secondary

Rururbanized Area

A rururbanized area is an indeterminate, transitional zone between the town and the country, featuring characteristics from both. It mixes uses, functions, and agricultural and urban activities.

Aridity

The aridity of a region is defined by the ratio of evapotranspiration, precipitation, and soil absorption. A territory is arid or dry if precipitation does not compensate for water losses due to other factors.

Lease

A lease is an agreement where the landlord gives the exploitation of land to the peasants in return for payment of a certain amount by a specific date. The farmer can grow whatever they want.

Poultry

Within the primary sector, poultry refers to the activity focused on developing farms where birds are bred and exploited.... Continue reading "Key Terms in Geography and Agriculture: Definitions" »

Economic Reforms of Carlos III

Development

The reign of Charles III was characterized by attempts to solve economic and social issues that had been largely unaddressed by previous governments. Spanish enlightened thinking focused on a basic concern: the decline of Spain had an economic root. It was believed that revitalizing economic activity could give new vitality to the country. Some of the basics of his thought were:

• The need to develop in Spain the cultivation of the "useful sciences" (mathematics, modern physics, chemistry, mineralogy, etc.) considered as a basis for technical renovation that would support economic revival. This required a complete renovation of the country's education system from primary and vocational education to university

Immigrant

A person who changes their habitual residence, moving within the country (internal migration) or to another country (external migration). Historically, in Spain, emigration originated from agricultural Atlantic and peninsular regions. These regions sent people to overseas territories, more developed Western European countries, and urban-industrial areas and resorts within Spain between the mid-19th and the 1970s.

Urban Setting

The concrete space occupied by a city. It depends on the physical environment (topography) and the city's purpose. For example, cities built for defense were often located on hills, while trading cities developed along roads.

Urban Sprawl

The growth of cities between the mid-19th and the early 20th century. This... Continue reading "Key Urban Concepts and Demographics" »