AP Human Geography Unit 1 Part 2

Collecting Data

Collecting Data

Methods include observing, reading maps, interpreting reports, and interviewing.

Quantitative Data

Information measured by numbers.

Qualitative Data

Interpretations of data based on observations.

Data Collectors

Private and public organizations that gather data.

Census

The official count of people in a defined area.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Software systems that capture, store, organize, and display geographic data.

Topography

The shape and features of land surfaces.

Geovisualization

Creating visualizations for geographic analysis using maps and multimedia.

Remote Sensing

Gathering data without physical contact.

Remote Sensing Images

Data brought into GIS for comparison and analysis.

Global Positioning System (GPS)

A network of satellites that transmit location data to receivers.

Cartographers

People who create maps.

Spatial Features

Can be clustered, dispersed, or linear.

Absolute Distance

Measured using a standard unit of length.

Relative Distance

Measured in criteria like time or money.

Absolute Direction

Cardinal directions (north, south, east, west).

Relative Direction

Directions based on perception (left, right, up, down).

Large Scale Maps

Show less land with more detail.

Medium Scale Maps

Cover larger areas with fewer details.

Small Scale Maps

Show more land with less detail.

Map Scale

The relationship between the size of a map and the real-world area it represents.

Projection

A method to represent the world on a two-dimensional surface.

Robinson Projection

Preserves visual appeal and relative sizes but distorts shapes near poles.

Mercator Projection

Preserves angles and shapes of small areas but distorts size near poles.

Gall-Peters Projection

Preserves area but distorts shapes of landmasses.

Azimuthal Projection

Preserves direction from a central point but distorts area and shape.

Isoline Maps

Use lines to connect points of equal value, best for continuous data.

Graduated Symbols

Use varying sizes of symbols to represent data values at locations.

Cartogram

Distorts geographic areas based on a specific variable.

Dot Map

Uses dots to represent quantities of a phenomenon, showing distribution and density.

Choropleth Map

Uses shades or colors to represent data values in predefined areas.

Diffusion

The spread of a cultural trait from one place to another over time.

Cultural Hearth

The origin point of a cultural trait.

Relocation Diffusion

Spread of a cultural trait through the physical movement of people.

Expansion Diffusion

Snowballing spread of a cultural trait to new areas while remaining strong in the original location.

Contagious Diffusion

Rapid spread of a cultural trait through direct contact.

Hierarchical Diffusion

Spread from a person or place of power to others, often skipping areas.

Stimulus Diffusion

Spread of an underlying principle or idea without the specific trait.

Major Difference

Relocation involves physical movement, while contagious diffusion involves rapid spread without movement.

Cultural Spread

Often occurs through a combination of diffusion types due to interconnected societies.