Unit 1: Thinking Geographically in AP Human Geography

Reference maps

Maps that give us information about an area (boundaries, toponyms)

Thematic maps

Maps that tell us about quantifiable data (they tell us a story)

Choropleth map

Use colors and shading to represent quantifiable data; shows density, but not distribution

Dot Map

A map using dots representing a certain value in its approximate location; shows distribution, but not density

Graduated symbols maps

Maps that feature symbols proportional in size to actual data

Isoline maps

Maps that connect areas of equal value; looks like a fingerprint

Cartograms

Maps that distort the appearance of places to represent their value; proportional to data

Geospatial data

Data that is connected to a particular place on the earth

Absolute location

Quantitative measurement; Ex: The distance from Nashville to Denver is 1022 miles

Relative location

Qualitative measurement; Ex: My school is a short drive away, I'm on the other side of the park

ESPN

Economic, Social-cultural, Political, Environmental

Map projection

Takes the spherical earth and displays it on a flat surface

Conformal projection

Preserve shape of land features at the expense of distorting their true size

Mercator projection

Latitude and longitude are shown at right angles, preserving shape but distorts size massively at polar latitudes

Equal-area projection

Distort oceans to preserve size of landmasses

Gall-peters projection

Preserves size but distorts shape (appears opposite as Mercator)

Goodes projection

Removes much of the oceans to preserve size and shape of land masses; interrupted projection

Robinsons projection

Preserves a little of both size and shape on continents but distorts polar areas; often used in atlases

Space

Physical gap between two things

Place

A unique location (associated with feelings & vibe)

Flows

How different places interact by movement of ideas, goods, info, people

Distance Decay

The farther something is from something else, the less they interact

Time-Space Compression

How technology & interconnectedness has reduced the time it takes to get people, ideas, goods, info from one place to another

Sustainability

Actions that provide immediate benefit while also preserving resources for future use

Natural Resources

Items produced in nature that can be used by humans; can be renewable or nonrenewable

Cloropleth map

Uses colors and shading to represent quantifiable data, showing density but not distribution

Dot Map

A map using dots representing a certain value in its approximate location, showing distribution but not density

Isoline maps

Maps that connect areas of equal value, looking like fingerprints

Cartograms

Maps that distort the appearance of places to represent their value, proportional to data

Absolute location

Quantitative measurement, e.g., The distance from Nashville to Denver is 1022 miles

Relative location

Qualitative measurement, e.g., My school is a short drive away, I'm on the other side of the park

ESPN

Economic, Social-cultural, Political, Environmental terms used to describe spatial patterns and relationships

Map projection

Takes the spherical earth and displays it on a flat surface, causing distortion

Conformal projection

Preserves shape of land features at the expense of distorting their true size

Mercator projection

A conformal projection where latitude and longitude are shown at right angles, preserving shape but distorting size massively at polar latitudes

Equal-area projection

Distorts oceans to preserve size of landmasses

Gall-peters projection

Preserves size but distorts shape, appearing opposite to Mercator

Goodes projection

Removes much of the oceans to preserve size and shape of land masses, an interrupted projection

Robinsons projection

Preserves a little of both size and shape on continents but distorts polar areas, often used in atlases

Place

A unique location associated with feelings & vibe

Natural Resources

Items produced in nature that can be used by humans, which can be renewable or nonrenewable

Renewable resources

Resources that can be replanted, e.g., trees

Nonrenewable resources

Resources that cannot be replenished once used

Fossil Fuels

Coal, oil, natural gas (finite resources with environmental impacts)

Land Use

Changing the earth's surface for a specific purpose

Examples of Land Use

Agricultural, Industrial, Residential, Transportational, Recreational

Climate Change Trend

It is generally agreed that the current trend in climate change is caused by increase use of fossil fuels

Human Environment Interaction

Also known as cultural ecology

Environmental Determinism

Physical environment affects how we live, behave, and do

Critique of Environmental Determinism

Undersells roles of humans

Possibilism

Environment isn't the only factor determining our lives

5 Too's

Too hot, too cold, too wet, too dry, too mountainous to live in

Primary Assumption of Environmental Determinism

The physical environment controls human culture

Productive Settlements According to Environmental Determinism

Temperate regions would have the most productive settlements

Scale

The size or scope of a phenomenon

Scale and Geographic Data

Scale determines the level at which we analyze geographic data

Examples of Scale

Local scale, global scale

Interaction of Scales

Various scales interact with each other

Different Scales of Analysis

Can tell a different story

Map Example for Scale of Inquiry

Maps showing Michigan's population density by counties and the US population density by state

Region

An area with one or more distinct characteristics or patterns of activity

Core Area of a Region

Generally have a core area where characteristics are dominant

Formal Regions

Regions with a uniform and unifying characteristic, e.g., Language or faith

Functional Regions

Regions with a center of activity, often unified by transportation or communication, e.g., Airport

Perceptual Regions

Regions defined individually based on ideas or perceptions with no real boundaries, e.g., The South

Definition of a Formal Region

Defines an area in which there is uniformity in one or more physical or human characteristics

Difference of a Formal Culture Region

Differs from other regions in that it has a selected feature or internal uniformity