Introduction to AP Human Geography: Map Projections and Types of Maps

Vocabulary review covering map projections, distortion, reference maps, coordinate systems, and various types of thematic maps used in AP Human Geography.

Mercator map projection

A map projection that uses right angles and focuses on longitude and latitude; it is accurate for showing direction and used for naval expedition, but features significant distortion in the size and location of landmasses.

Distortion

The inaccuracy that occurs in direction, shape, area, distance, or a combination of these factors whenever a globe is projected onto a flat surface.

Goode homolosine projection

An interrupted, equal area map projection that excels at showing the true size and shape of landmasses but distorts distance and edges, and is unhelpful for direction.

Fuller map projection

An interrupted map projection that maintains accurate size and shape without interrupting landmasses, but does not use cardinal directions.

Robinson projection

An uninterrupted map projection that maintains the true size and shape of landmasses by placing the majority of distortion at the poles.

Winkel triple projection

A rounder and larger map projection that spreads distortion throughout the entire map while attempting to concentrate most of it at the poles.

Gall-Peters projection

A map projection that is highly accurate at showing the true size of landmasses but contains significant distortion in terms of shape and direction.

Reference maps

Informational maps used to find boundaries of a place, look at geographic features, or get directions from one point to another.

Topographic map

A type of reference map used to understand how elevation changes in a specific area.

Absolute direction

The exact direction a person is heading, such as a compass showing $90$ degrees when traveling east.

Relative direction

Direction based on the surrounding area or current situation rather than precise measurements, such as saying one person is north of another.

Absolute distance

The exact measurement between two places, typically expressed in units like miles or kilometers, such as $2.5\,miles$.

Relative distance

An approximate measurement between two locations often expressed in terms of time or direction, such as being $6\,minutes$ away.

Absolute location

The exact spot where something is located, often identified using GPS coordinates or longitude and latitude.

Relative location

A description of a location based on its proximity to surrounding geographic features or landmarks, such as being near a water tower.

Thematic maps

Maps that display spatial patterns and use quantitative data to tell a story or display specific topics about an area.

Choropleth maps

Thematic maps that use different colors to represent data quantities and densities, often relying on generalizations to display information.

Small scale maps

Maps that show a large portion of the Earth's surface (like a global map) and must use more generalities in their data.

Large scale maps

Maps that show a smaller area (like a local community) and can use specific data with fewer generalities.

Dot density map

A map that uses points at specific locations where data is occurring to show spatial distribution.

Clustered

A state where data, objects, or people are packed close together with little space between them.

Dispersed

A state where data or items are spread out over a geographic area with significant space between them.

Graduated symbol map

A map that uses different shapes or symbols of varying sizes to show the location and amount of specific data.

Isoline maps

Maps that use lines to connect different areas that share similar or equal amounts of information, commonly used for weather.

Cartogram maps

Maps that represent data values by adjusting the size of the area, where the greatest value is shown as the largest area.

Flow line map

A map that illustrates the movement of goods, people, animals, services, or ideas between places using arrows.