Unit 1 Ap Geo

What are the two purposes of maps?

Reference tools - show where something is found and how to get there

Communication tools - depict the distribution of human activities/physical features

How did cartography develop over time

Maps became more comprehensive and sophisticated over time as we discovered new places and used that data to add onto a visual map. The invention of tools like the compass, telescope all allowed for maps to be made more easily and accurately

remote sensing

The scanning of Earth using satellites or high flying aircrafts to obtain information about Earth

Global Positioning System (GPS)

The system that accurately determines the precise position of something on Earth via satellites and receivers Used for navigation, tracking position or location, etc.

Geographic Information System (GIS)

A computer system that captures, stores, analyzes and displays geographic data Used for tracking and managing geographic data to use in decision-making

difference between qualitative and quantitative data

Qualitative Data → Data associated with a humanistic approach to geography, Open ended questions

Quantitative Data → Data associated with mathematical models and statistical techniques. Factual rather than debateable

What words do geographers use to describe data in thematic maps?

Geographers use terms such as distribution, density, pattern, and concentration to describe data in thematic maps. These terms help in analyzing and interpreting spatial patterns and relationships.

distance decay

The theory that the interaction (flow of goods, people) between two places decreases as the distance between them increases. Ex. Chicago and New York have more interaction than New York and Miami, given their geographic locations.

The closer something is to each other the more they share similarities, the farther something is from each other the more different they are

time-space compression

The reduction in the time it takes to diffuse something to a distant place, as the result of improved communication and transportation technologies. Ex. The Internet allows us to instantly share ideas to far off places, allowing those ideas to spread quickly and widely.

absolute location

The precise place where something is found

Relative Location

The description of where something is in relation to other things

relative distance

the distance between two points, measured using metrics like time, effort, cost

absolute distance

the distance between two points, communicated using precise quantitative units

relative direction

direction based on a person's surrondings and perception

absolute direction

directions according to a compass

why does scale matter

determines the level at which data is displayed and interpreted, it affects the detail and scope of the information presented, understanding scale accurately interprets data and draws appropriate conclusions

scales of analysis levels

• global (shows the world at one level of data)

• regional (shows data by continent or major world regions)

• national (shows data for one or more countries)

• local (shows data at a subnational level)

difference between reference and thematic maps

reference maps provide general information about a location including physical and political features like roads and landmarks, used for navigation and location purposes.

Thematic maps focus on specific themes such as population density, climate, economic activity, used to analyze patterns and relationships related to particular topics

why is it impossible to create a map without distortion

impossible because Earth is a three dimensional sphere and maps are two dimensional, so when projecting a curved surface onto a flat surface it creates different distortions

mercator, purpose, strength, distortions

purpose: navigation and marine chart

strengths: preserves angles and directions, good for sea travel

distortions: distorts size and area near poles

peters purpose strength distortion

purpose: represents area accurately

strengths: preserves size and area relation

distortions: distorts shapes near equator

conic purpose strength and distortions

purpose: mapping mid latitude

strengths: minimizes distortion in mid-latitudes, good for mapping smaller areas

distortions: distorts shapes and sizes near the edges

robinson purpose strength distortions

purpose: general purpose math

strengths: balances distortion in size shape and distance

distortions: distorts all properties slightly but more balanced

political

maps showing human created boundaries

physical

maps showing natural features like mountains and rivers

road

shows highways, streets, alleys

plat

maps using property lines and land ownership

locator

illustrations showing specific locations mentioned in text

choropleth

maps using colour or patterns to show data distribute

dot distribution

using dots to represent quantities

graduated symbol

using symbols of varying sizes to indicate quantities

isoline

maps using lines to connect points of equal value

cartogram

maps showing sizes according to a specific statistic

how do human geographers define regions

they define regions as area with distinct characteristics that set them apart from other areas, which include physical, cultural, economic, poltical, regions are defined based on similarities and differences in these attributes which help organize and analyze spatial area

formal region

defined by official boundaries created on basis of one or more characteristics (language, religion)

• climate, landforms, cultural entities, political entities

functional region

area organized around a node or focal point and defined by an activity that occurs across the region

• delivery areas, school districts

perceptual region

area people believe exists as part of their cultural identity

• amercian south, middle east

How does technology impact functional regions?

Impact of Technology: Technology can redefine and expand functional regions by improving communication, transportation, and data management. For example, the rise of the internet and digital communication has enabled businesses to operate and interact across larger functional regions beyond traditional geographic boundaries

Why do the boundaries of perceptual regions vary widely depending on who defines them?

Variability of Perceptual Boundaries: Perceptual regions vary because they are based on personal, cultural, or subjective interpretations. Different people or groups may have different perceptions and definitions of these regions based on their experiences, beliefs, and cultural contexts.

Define sustainability in your own words. Why is it important?

Sustainability: Sustainability refers to the practice of using resources and managing human activities in a way that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is important because it helps maintain ecological balance, preserves natural resources, and ensures long-term environmental health and quality of life.

Environmental Determinism

a philosophy that states that human behaviors and culture are a direct result of the surrounding environment

EXAMPLE: the development of Inuit culture in response to the Arctic conditions in which they live. theory that societies in tropical regions develop certain agricultural practices and lifestyles due to the hot and humid climate, which influences their way of life and productivity.

Possibilism

The theory that while the environment may limit certain actions, humans have the ability to adapt and make choices that can overcome environmental constraints. It emphasizes human agency and ingenuity in shaping cultural and societal outcomes.

EXAMPLE: industrial revolution, agricultural advancement, technological revolution.

regionalization

the process geographers use to divide and categorize space into smaller units

region

an area defined by ne or more common and distinctive traits, characteristics, or features that make it different from surrounding areas

• any place larger than a point and smaller than the entire planet

• a particular place can be included in more than one _____, depending on how the _____ is defined

corn belt

region of the midwestern united states that since the 1850s, has dominated corn production in the united states

hinterland

literally “country behind”, a term that applies to a surrounding area served by an urban center. that center is the focus of goods and services produced for its ________

cultural ecology

a geographic approach that emphasizes human-environment relationships

carl Sauer

argued that cultural landscapes are the result of interactions between human and the environment, paving the way for formal study of human-environmental interaction