AP Human Geography Review

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts in AP Human Geography.

Map Projections

Different methods of representing the curved surface of the Earth on a flat map, each with its own distortions in shape, area, distance, or direction.

Reference Maps

Maps that show general geographic features, boundaries, place names (toponyms), and physical features.

Thematic Maps

Maps that display spatial patterns and use data to tell a story about a specific topic.

Qualitative Data

Descriptive data in word form that is subjective and open to interpretation.

Quantitative Data

Numerical data that is concrete, measurable, and objective.

Geographic Information System (GIS)

A technology that layers different types of data onto maps for analysis.

Remote Sensing

The acquisition of data about the Earth's surface from satellites or aircraft without physical contact.

Global Positioning System (GPS)

A satellite-based system that provides exact locations on Earth.

Population Distribution

The spread of people across an area, showcasing patterns of clustering or dispersion.

Population Density

The number of people living per unit area, often analyzed through arithmetic, physiological, and agricultural densities.

Demographic Transition Model

A model that demonstrates the transition of a country from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates as it develops.

Environmental Determinism

The theory that the physical environment dictates the success or failure of societies.

Possibilism

The theory that the environment puts limits on societies, but people can adapt and change their environments.

Regions

Geographic areas defined by one or more shared characteristics or patterns.

Formal Regions

Geographic areas with common attributes, traditionally defined by economic, political, social, or environmental characteristics.

Functional Regions

Geographic areas organized around a node or center point, often related to a specific economic activity.

Perceptual Regions

Geographic areas that exist based on people's opinions, attitudes, and beliefs.

Push Factors

Reasons that compel people to leave a particular area.

Pull Factors

Reasons that attract people to move into a new area.

Agricultural Density

The number of farmers per unit of arable land, indicating farming efficiency.

Dependency Ratio

The ratio of non-working age people (young and elderly) to the working-age population.

Urban Sprawl

The expansion of low-density development into surrounding countryside.

Cultural Landscape

The visible modifications made by humans on the natural environment.

Centripetal Forces

Forces that bring people together and promote unity.

Centrifugal Forces

Forces that divide people and lead to fragmentation.

Diffusion

The process whereby a cultural element, item, or phenomenon spreads from one place to another.

Urban Hierarchy

The ranking of urban settlements based on their population size and economic power.

Primate City

A city that is significantly larger than the next largest city in the country, concentrating economic and political power.

Gentrification

The influx of wealthier residents into lower-income neighborhoods, raising property values and displacing long-term residents.

Dependency Theory

The theory stating that wealthier nations exploit poorer nations, keeping them in a cycle of dependence.

World Systems Theory

A theory that explains global economic systems as interconnected, divided into core, semi-periphery, and periphery countries.

Commodity Dependence

A situation where a large portion of a country's exports are raw materials or agricultural products, making it vulnerable to price fluctuations.

Just-in-Time Delivery

A logistics strategy that aligns raw-material orders from suppliers directly with production schedules.