AP Human Geography Study Guide Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the core concepts of AP Human Geography, including nature of geography, population, culture, political organization, agriculture, industry, and urban land use.

Absolute Location

The exact position of a place on a mathematical grid of the earth, described in terms of longitude and latitude.

Relative Location

The position of a place in relation to other human and physical features on the landscape, defining its centrality or isolation.

Cartography

The art and science of map-making.

Map Projection

A method of transferring locations on Earth's surface to a flat map, which inevitably results in some form of distortion (shape, size, distance, or direction).

Scale

The relationship between the size of an object or distance on a map and its actual size or distance on the Earth's surface.

GIS (Geographic Information System)

A computer system that captures, stores, analyzes, and displays data in layers to create accurate digital maps.

GPS (Global Positioning System)

A system using satellites and receivers to determine precise absolute locations on Earth.

Demography

The statistical study of human populations, including their size, composition, and distribution.

Arithmetic Density

The total number of people divided by the total land area.

Physiological Density

The number of people per unit of arable (farmable) land, measuring pressure on resources.

Carrying Capacity

The maximum number of people an area can support on a sustained basis given its technology and resources.

Demographic Transition Theory

A model describing how population patterns vary according to different levels of technological development across four stages.

Malthusian Theory

The belief proposed by Thomas Malthus that population grows exponentially while food supply grows linearly, leading to eventual famine and war.

Distance Decay

The principle that the interaction between two places declines as the distance between them increases.

Cultural Landscape

The modification of the natural landscape by human activities, representing the human imprint on the Earth.

Environmental Determinism

The belief that the physical environment, especially climate and terrain, actively shapes and molds human culture.

Possibilism

The theory that the physical environment may set limits, but people have the ability to adjust and choose from many cultural possibilities.

Cultural Diffusion

The process by which a cultural trait, innovation, or idea spreads from its hearth to other areas.

Lingua Franca

A language of international communication and trade used by people who speak different native tongues.

Universalizing Religion

A religion that attempts to be global and appeal to all people, such as Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism.

Ethnic Religion

A religion that appeals primarily to one group of people living in one place, such as Hinduism or Judaism.

Sovereignty

The ability of a state to govern its territory and carry out actions independently from external or internal interference.

Nation-State

A state whose territorial extent coincides with that occupied by a distinct nation or people.

Devolution

The transfer of some important powers from central governments to sub-governments or regional authorities.

Supranational Organization

A cooperating group of nations operating on a regional or international level, such as the UN or the EU.

Primary Sector

The part of the economy that extracts raw materials from the natural environment (e.g., agriculture, mining, fishing).

Secondary Sector

The part of the economy that transforms raw materials into manufactured goods (industry).

Tertiary Sector

The part of the economy that involves services rather than physical goods (e.g., trade, finance, education).

Green Revolution

The collection of new agricultural techniques in the mid-20th century involving high-yield seeds and expanded fertilizer use.

Von Thünen’s Model

A model explaining rural land use based on the cost of transportation and the perishability of products relative to the market center.

Central Place Theory

A theory by Walter Christaller explaining the distribution of services based on the fact that settlements serve as centers of resources for surrounding areas.

CBD (Central Business District)

The nucleus or 'downtown' of a city where nonresidential activities and services are concentrated.

Gentrification

The process of renovating deteriorated inner-city neighborhoods, which often attracts middle-class residents and displaces lower-income families.

Megalopolis

A large urban region formed by multiple cities that have grown together into a continuous built-up area.