AP Human Geography flashcards Unit 9: Urbanization

annexation

Annexation is the formal process by which a territory is added to an existing political entity, such as a country or state, often involving the incorporation of the area into the governing jurisdiction.

census tract

A census tract is a geographic region defined for the purpose of collecting and analyzing statistical data by the U.S. Census Bureau.

central business district (CBD)

A central business district (CBD) is the commercial and business center of a city, characterized by a high concentration of businesses, financial institutions, and office buildings, often featuring limited residential areas.

bid-rent theory

Bid rent theory is an economic theory that explains how the price and demand for real estate change as the distance from the central business district (CBD) increases. It posits that land users compete for space, and those who are willing to pay the most for land will locate closest to the CBD, leading to a gradient of land values that decreases as one moves further away from the center.

concentric zone model

The concentric zone model is a social theory that explains urban land use by depicting a city as a series of concentric circles radiating from a central point. Developed by sociologist Ernest W. Burgess in the 1920s, it suggests that different social groups are located in distinct zones, with the innermost zone being the central business district, followed by zones of transition, working-class housing, middle-class housing, and finally, commuter zones on the outskirts.

density gradient

Density gradient is a measure of the change in density of a substance over a specific distance. It indicates how density varies in a given medium, often represented mathematically as the derivative of density with respect to position.

edge city

An edge city is a suburban area that has developed its own economic and commercial centers, typically located near major highways or urban areas. These cities feature office buildings, shopping centers, and entertainment facilities, often emerging as a result of urban sprawl.

food desert

A food desert is a geographic area where residents have limited access to affordable and nutritious food, often due to a lack of grocery stores, farmers' markets, and healthy food providers.

gentrification

Gentrification is the process of renovating and improving a neighborhood, often resulting in the displacement of lower-income residents due to rising property values and living costs.

greenbelt

A greenbelt is a designated area of open land around a city or urban area, intended to limit urban sprawl, provide recreational space, and protect the environment.

megalopolis

A megalopolis is a large, densely populated urban area that typically consists of several interconnected cities and suburbs.

multiple nuclei model

The multiple nuclei model is an urban land use theory that suggests cities develop around multiple centers or "nuclei," rather than a single central business district. Each nucleus serves as a focal point for different types of activities, such as retail, industry, and residential areas, leading to a more decentralized urban structure. This model accounts for the complex social and economic interactions within urban areas.

peripheral model

A peripheral model is a theoretical framework that explains how individuals process information and make decisions based on external cues rather than central, analytical thinking. It suggests that people may be influenced by peripheral factors such as emotions, aesthetics, or social norms when forming attitudes or making choices, especially when they lack the motivation or ability to engage in deeper cognitive processing.

public housing

Public housing refers to government-funded residential properties that provide affordable accommodation to low-income individuals and families.

redlining

Redlining is the discriminatory practice of denying services, typically financial, to residents of certain areas based on their race or ethnicity, often resulting in the systematic disinvestment in those communities.

rush hour

Rush hour refers to the periods during the day when traffic congestion is at its highest, typically occurring in the morning and late afternoon as commuters travel to and from work.

sector model

The sector model is an urban land use model developed by economist Homer Hoyt in 1939. It proposes that cities develop in a series of sectors or wedges radiating out from the central business district (CBD), with different types of land use organized along these sectors based on factors such as transportation routes and social class.

sprawl

Sprawl in geography refers to the spread of urban developments on undeveloped land near a city, characterized by low-density residential and commercial areas, increased reliance on automobiles, and often a lack of efficient public transport.

squatter settlement

A squatter settlement is an area where people establish residences on land they do not legally own or have permission to occupy, often characterized by informal housing and lack of basic services.

urban area

An urban area is a region characterized by high population density and significant infrastructure, including residential, commercial, and industrial development.

urban cluster

An urban cluster is a geographical area that contains a concentration of population and economic activity, typically characterized by interconnected communities or cities that are in close proximity to each other.

zoning ordinance

A zoning ordinance is a law that regulates land use and development within a municipality, establishing guidelines for how land can be used, including residential, commercial, and industrial zones.

ghetto

A ghetto is a part of a city, especially one occupied by a minority group, often characterized by economic disadvantage and social isolation.

multiplier effect

The multiplier effect refers to the phenomenon where an initial increase in spending leads to a larger overall increase in economic activity. It occurs when one entity's expenditure becomes another entity's income, resulting in further spending and economic growth.

suburbanization

Suburbanization is the process by which populations move from urban areas to suburban areas, leading to the growth of suburbs and the expansion of metropolitan regions.

underclass

Underclass refers to a social group that is situated below the working class and is often characterized by poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to resources and opportunities.

urban hierarchy

Urban hierarchy refers to the organization and ranking of settlements within a region based on factors such as size, population, economic activity, and services provided. It typically includes various levels, from small villages to large cities, indicating their relative importance and function within the urban system.

urban morphology

Urban morphology is the study of the form, structure, and layout of urban areas, including the physical and spatial characteristics of cities and how they evolve over time.