AP Human Geo Topic 1

Geography

The study of where things are on Earth and why they are there.

Reference maps

Maps that show locations of places (like political maps, physical maps, road maps).

Thematic maps

Maps that show patterns of data (like population density, climate, or voting results).

Choropleth maps

Thematic maps that use color/shading to represent data.

Dot distribution maps

Thematic maps that use dots to indicate frequency.

Graduated symbol maps

Thematic maps that use different-sized symbols to represent data.

Isoline maps

Maps that use lines to connect points of equal value (e.g., weather maps).

Cartograms

Maps that distort the size of places to show a variable, such as population.

Map scale

The relationship between distances on a map and distances on Earth.

Small-scale maps

Maps that depict a large area with little detail.

Large-scale maps

Maps that depict a small area with more detail.

Map projections

Methods of flattening the Earth that can cause distortions in shape, size, distance, or direction.

Mercator projection

A map projection that is good for navigation but distorts the poles.

Robinson projection

A map projection that attempts to balance distortion across size, shape, and distance.

Geographic models

Simplified representations of reality used to explain spatial patterns.

Quantitative data

Numerical data such as statistics and measurable information.

Qualitative data

Descriptive information, such as interviews and observations.

Fieldwork

A data collection method involving direct observation and recording of information.

GIS (Geographic Information Systems)

A computer system for layering and analyzing geographic data.

GPS (Global Positioning System)

A satellite system that provides precise absolute location.

Geospatial technologies

Technologies like GPS and GIS used to gather and analyze geographic data.

Distance decay

The principle that interaction decreases as distance increases.

Time-space compression

The phenomenon where technology and transportation make distances seem smaller.

Absolute location

The precise point on Earth determined by coordinates like latitude and longitude.

Relative location

The location of a place in relation to other places.

Absolute distance

The physical distance between two points measured in standard units such as miles or kilometers.

Relative distance

The distance between two locations measured in terms of time or cost.

Density

The frequency of a particular feature in a defined area.

Concentration

The arrangement of a feature in relation to space, either clustered or dispersed.

Patterns

Geometric arrangements of features in a given area.

Flows

The movement of people, goods, or ideas across space.