AP Human Geography Review

These flashcards provide an overview of key vocabulary and concepts covered in AP Human Geography, designed to aid in exam preparation.

Map Projections

Different methods of representing the Earth's curved surface on a flat surface, which can distort shape, area, distance, or direction.

Mercator Projection

A conformal map projection useful for navigation that preserves shape and direction but distorts area, making land masses appear larger than they are.

Reference Maps

Maps that show general geographic features and boundaries, such as physical features and place names (toponyms).

Thematic Maps

Maps that display spatial patterns and tell a story about a specific topic using data.

Qualitative Data

Descriptive data often in word form and subjective, open to interpretation, such as interviews and field observations.

Quantitative Data

Numerical and objective data that is measurable, such as census data and statistics.

GIS (Geographic Information System)

A system that layers different types of data on maps for spatial analysis.

Remote Sensing

The collection of data about the Earth's surface from satellites or aircraft without physical contact.

Population Density

The number of people living in a specific area, often expressed per square mile or kilometer.

Physiological Density

The total population divided by the amount of arable land, indicating pressure on farmland.

Demographic Transition Model (DTM)

A model that describes the stages a country goes through as it transitions from high birth and death rates to lower rates.

Environmental Determinism

The theory that the physical environment shapes and limits human activity and societal development.

Possibilism

The belief that while the environment may set limits on human actions, people have the ability to adapt and change their environment.

Centripetal Forces

Forces that unite and strengthen a state, such as shared culture and history.

Centrifugal Forces

Forces that divide and cause fragmentation within a state, such as cultural differences and ethnic conflicts.

Urbanization

The process in which more people move to cities, resulting in urban growth.

Suburbanization

The movement of people from urban areas to the outskirts or suburbs.

Gentrification

The process where wealthier individuals move into a lower-income neighborhood, driving up property values and displacing original residents.

Food Deserts

Urban areas where residents lack access to fresh, healthy food, often relying on convenience stores.

Dependency Theory

The theory that resources flow from periphery nations to core nations, keeping poor nations dependent on wealthy ones.

Comparative Advantage

The ability of a country to produce a good at a lower opportunity cost than other countries.

Neoliberalism

Economic policy model that emphasizes free-market capitalism, reduced government intervention, and deregulation.

Sustainable Development

Development that meets current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Cultural Landscape

The visible human-modified environment that reflects the cultural practices of a society.

Toponym

A name given to a place, which can reveal historical and cultural information about the area.

Bid Rent Theory

Economic theory that explains how land prices and land use change as one moves away from the center of an urban area.

Urban Renewal

Efforts to improve or redevelop urban areas, which can lead to gentrification and displacement.