AP Human Geography - Map Projections, Map Types, and Thematic Maps

Flashcards cover map projections (Mercator, Goode’s, Fuller, Robinson, Winkel Tripel, Peters), map types (reference vs thematic), and common thematic maps (choropleth, dot density, graduated symbol, cartogram, flow line), plus key concepts like distortion, scale, and location/distance directions.

What is the Mercator projection best known for, and what distortion does it introduce?

It preserves direction (accurate angles) but distorts size, making landmasses near the poles appear larger; Africa appears smaller than Greenland in Mercator even though Africa is larger in reality.

Goode's homolosine projection

An interrupted, equal‑area projection that preserves true size and shape of landmasses but distorts distance and edge continuity.

Fuller projection

An interrupted, equal‑area projection that preserves landmass size and shape but distorts direction and lacks cardinal directions.

Robinson projection

An uninterrupted projection that minimizes overall distortion; most distortion is toward the poles, while size and shape are fairly well preserved.

Winkel Tripel projection

An uninterrupted projection similar to Robinson, with distortion spread more evenly and a rounder overall shape.

Gall-Peters (Peters) projection

An equal‑area projection that preserves true size of landmasses but distorts shape and direction.

Two main map categories

Reference maps (informational, boundaries/features, directions) and thematic maps (display spatial patterns with data).

Choropleth map

A thematic map that uses colors to show data by geographic area; effective for showing quantity or density but relies on generalizations and scale.

Dot density map

A thematic map that uses dots to represent data units, illustrating spatial distribution; dots can cluster in dense areas and become hard to distinguish.

Graduated symbol map

A thematic map using symbols of varying size to represent data magnitude at locations; can become visually cluttered.

Cartogram

A map that distorts geographic areas so that their size reflects a data value; visually striking but can distort shape and location.

Flow line map

A map showing movement (goods, people, ideas) between places; arrows indicate direction and thickness/color indicates volume.

Absolute vs. relative distance

Absolute distance is the exact distance between places (e.g., 2.5 miles). Relative distance is approximate (e.g., about six minutes).

Absolute vs. relative direction

Absolute direction is the exact heading (e.g., east = 90°). Relative direction uses surrounding landmarks (e.g., north of you).

Absolute vs. relative location

Absolute location is the exact coordinates (longitude/latitude). Relative location describes a place based on nearby features (near the water tower).

Scale in maps

Small-scale maps cover large areas with less detail; large-scale maps cover smaller areas with more detail and specific data.

Map distortion

All map projections distort at least one property: direction, shape, area, distance, or a combination.

Purpose of map projections

To represent the Earth’s curved surface on a flat plane; all projections involve some distortion; none are perfect.

Reference map examples from notes

Disney World maps for navigation, topographic maps for elevation, and maps used to find places like Chipotle or public transportation.