AP Human Geography Review Packet

A selection of vocabulary flashcards to assist with reviewing AP Human Geography concepts.

Reference Maps

Show general information about places, such as political maps, physical maps, roadmaps, and topographic maps.

Thematic Maps

Focus on a specific theme or variable, such as choropleth maps, dot distribution maps, graduated symbol maps, isoline maps, and cartograms.

Choropleth Map

Uses color or shading to show data, such as population density.

Dot Distribution Map

Uses dots to represent a quantity or frequency of a particular variable.

Graduated Symbol Map

Uses symbols of varying sizes to show data; larger symbols represent greater quantities.

Isoline Map

Uses lines to connect points of equal value, such as temperature.

Cartogram

Resizes areas according to a variable, such as population.

Mercator Projection

Preserves shape and direction but greatly distorts size near the poles, useful for navigation.

Gall-Peters Projection

Preserves area (equal-area projection) but distorts shape, making continents appear stretched.

Robinson Projection

Balances shape, area, distance, and direction for a more visually accurate overall representation.

Goode Homolosine Projection

An interrupted projection that minimizes distortion of shape and area by 'cutting' the oceans.

Quantitative Data

Information measured and recorded with numbers, often used in graphs, charts, and thematic maps for spatial analysis.

Qualitative Data

Descriptive information that captures meaning or context, such as field notes, interviews, and observations.

Fieldwork

Directly collecting information on-site through measurements, sketches, interviews, or photography.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Computer systems that capture, store, and analyze data tied to specific locations.

Remote Sensing

Gathering data from satellites or aircraft to monitor Earth's surface.

Census Data

Information collected by governments that records population size, distribution, and characteristics.

Intensity of Agriculture

Produced with high labor or capital on small amounts of land to increase productivity.

Extensive Agriculture

Uses large areas of land with low labor or capital input per acre, typically found where land is abundant.

Urbanization

The growth of cities and increasing percentage of people living in urban areas.

Suburbanization

Movement from cities to surrounding suburbs.

Gentrification

Wealthier individuals move into low-income neighborhoods, raising property values and rent, often displacing existing residents.

Food Desert

An area with limited access to affordable and nutritious food.

Structural Barriers

Challenges such as lack of land ownership rights and limited access to credit that affect women's roles in agriculture.

Dependency Theory

Explains why some countries remain poor despite development efforts, often attributing this to historical exploitation.