AP Human Geography Study Sheet

These flashcards cover key concepts and vocabulary from the AP Human Geography study materials.

Compass Rose

A symbol that indicates the cardinal directions: North (N), South (S), East (E), West (W), as well as intermediate directions (NE, NW, SE, SW).

Coordinates

A system that uses latitude (horizontal) and longitude (vertical) to pinpoint exact locations on Earth.

Choropleth Map

A thematic map that uses color to represent the distribution of a particular variable across a specific area.

Dot Density Map

A map where dots represent a quantity or value of a particular phenomenon in a given area.

Graduated Symbol Map

A thematic map that uses symbols of different sizes to show value differences.

Cartogram Map

A type of map where areas are resized based on a particular variable, rather than their actual size.

Isoline Map

A map that uses lines to connect points of equal value, often used for weather and elevation.

Topographic Map

A detailed map that shows elevation and landforms.

Absolute Location

The exact location of a place defined by coordinates or a specific address.

Relative Location

The location of a place in relation to other locations or landmarks.

Spatial Patterns

The arrangement of different phenomena across a space, such as clustering or dispersal.

Map Projections

Methods used by cartographers to represent three-dimensional Earth on a two-dimensional surface, which can cause distortions.

Mercator Projection

A map projection that preserves direction and shape but distorts area near the poles, commonly used for navigation.

Peters Equal Area Projection

A map projection that accurately represents area but distorts shapes near the poles and stretches near the equator.

Robinson Projection

A map projection that minimizes distortion but distorts all aspects slightly, used for general purpose map-making.

Field Work

The collection of data through direct observations and experiences in the field.

Geospatial Technology

Tools like GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and GPS (Global Positioning System) used for mapping and analyzing spatial data.

Remote Sensing

The use of satellite technology to capture digital images of the Earth’s surface.

What navigational aid displays both cardinal and intermediate directions on a map device?

A Compass Rose.

A geographic referencing system utilizes two primary components, one for horizontal measurement and another for vertical, to precisely delineate any point on Earth's surface. What is this system called?

Coordinates.

If a cartographer wishes to visually represent the population density across different counties using varying shades of a single color, which type of thematic map would be most appropriate?

A Choropleth Map.

What type of map uses discrete, identical symbols scattered across an area to illustrate the relative presence or absence of a phenomenon, where each symbol represents a fixed numerical value?

A Dot Density Map.

To visually convey variations in a quantitative attribute, such as city population, across a region by altering the size of a consistent symbol (e.g., a circle), which thematic mapping technique would be employed?

A Graduated Symbol Map.

Imagine a map of the world where the land area of each country is stretched or shrunk not according to its actual geographical extent, but based on a statistical value like its GDP or population. What kind of map is this?

A Cartogram Map.

What mapping technique employs continuous lines to link locations sharing an identical value of a specific phenomenon, frequently utilized to depict atmospheric pressure or topographic relief?

An Isoline Map.

What highly detailed map type is characterized by its representation of land surface configuration, including contour lines indicating changes in elevation and the precise depiction of natural and man-made features?

A Topographic Map.

When we specify a place's position using precise numerical coordinates (e.g., latitude and longitude) or a unique street address, what geographical concept are we employing to define its exact placement?

Absolute Location.

Describing a place as "north of the main square" or "two blocks past the library" is an example of what geographical concept?

Relative Location.

What term describes the arrangement, distribution, or organization of geographical phenomena across Earth's surface, which can manifest as concentrations (clustering) or wide distributions (dispersal)?

Spatial Patterns.

The unavoidable process by which cartographers translate the spherical Earth onto a flat plane, invariably leading to some degree of distortion in area, shape, distance, or direction, is known as what?

Map Projections.

Name the map projection renowned for its accurate representation of angles and shapes (rhumb lines as straight lines), making it ideal for nautical navigation, but criticized for significantly exaggerating landmasses at higher latitudes.

Mercator Projection.

Which map projection, often favored for its political implications, prioritizes the accurate preservation of landmass sizes across the globe, though at the expense of distorting their shapes, especially near the poles and equator?

Peters Equal Area Projection.

What generalized map projection aims for a visually pleasing balance by minimally distorting all four geometric properties (area, shape, distance, direction) without perfectly preserving any one, making it a common choice for world atlases?

Robinson Projection.

What fundamental geographical research method involves the collection of data firsthand through direct observation, interviews, and measurements conducted outside a laboratory or office setting?

Field Work.

What umbrella term encompasses advanced tools and techniques such as Geographic Information Systems and Global Positioning Systems, which are instrumental in acquiring, managing, analyzing, and visualizing data linked to specific locations on Earth?

Geospatial Technology.

The process of acquiring information about Earth's surface or atmosphere without making physical contact, typically through the use of sensors on satellites or aircraft that detect reflected or emitted electromagnetic radiation, is known as what?

Remote Sensing.

Unlike general reference maps that show a variety of features, what specialized map type is specifically crafted to illustrate the geographical distribution, density, or patterns of a particular subject or topic?

A Thematic Map.

What fundamental map element quantifies the relationship between a linear measurement on the map document and the actual horizontal distance it represents on the Earth's surface?

Map Scale.

Which essential map component serves as a decoder, providing interpretive information for all the graphic symbols, colors, patterns, and lines utilized to represent real-world features on the map?

A Map Legend/Key.

Name the powerful computer system specifically designed for capturing, storing, querying, analyzing, and displaying geographically referenced data, enabling users to create interactive queries, analyze spatial information, and present results in map form?

A Geographic Information System (GIS).

What technology, relying on a constellation of Earth-orbiting satellites, provides highly accurate real-time positioning and timing information to a receiver on or near the Earth's surface?

A Global Positioning System (GPS).