AP HUG Units 1-4 Vocab

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from Pages 1–6 notes (maps, scale, GIS, migration, culture, and political geography).

Absolute Direction

The cardinal directions (north, south, east, west) used without reference to landmarks.

Functional Region

A region defined by a functional connection or system (a core area and its surrounding areas linked by networks).

Region

An area with a common characteristic or set of characteristics that make it distinct.

Absolute Distance

The exact measurement of distance between two places using standard units.

Geographic Information System (GIS)

A computer system that captures, stores, analyzes, and displays geographic data, often layering it to allow geographers to make conclusions.

Regional Scale of Analysis

Analyzing geographic phenomena at subnational regions (e.g., states, provinces).

Absolute Location

The precise coordinates of a place (latitude and longitude).

Global Positioning System (GPS)

A satellite-based system that provides precise location and time information.

Relative Direction

Direction described relative to another place (e.g., north of the river).

Area

The measure of the size of a two-dimensional surface.

Global Scale

A worldwide perspective or analysis that considers the entire planet.

Relative Distance

Perceived or practical distance between places, influenced by time, cost, and accessibility.

Cartogram

A map where area or distance is distorted to convey data values.

Goode Projection

An equal-area map projection with an interrupted outline to reduce distortion. Looks like a fruit peel

Relative Location

A place’s position in relation to other places.

Choropleth Map

A map that uses colors or patterns to show data values by area.

Proportional Symbol Map

A thematic map using circles of varying size to represent data magnitude.

Remote Sensing

Gathering data about Earth from a distance via satellites or aircraft.

Clustering

Grouping data into meaningful clusters based on similarity or proximity.

Isoline map

A type of thematic map that uses lines to connect points of equal value for a given phenomenon.

Robinson Projection

A balanced map projection that minimizes overall distortion.

Polar Projection

A map projection centered on a pole, showing polar areas.

Landscape Analysis

Evaluating the physical and cultural features of a landscape.

Satellite Imagery

Images of Earth captured by satellites.

Direction

The course or path along which something moves or faces.

Local Scale of Analysis

Analysis focused on a small area, such as a neighborhood or city.

Scale Distance

The real-world distance represented by the map’s scale.

Location

The position of a place on the Earth's surface.

Scale of Analysis

The level at which geographic phenomena are studied (global, regional, local).

Distance-Decay

Interaction decreases as distance between places increases.

Mercator Projection

A conformal map projection that preserves shape but distorts area at high latitudes.

Shape

The form or outline of a geographic feature; distortion varies by projection.

Dot Density

A thematic map technique using dots to indicate quantity or density.

National Scale of Analysis

Analysis at the country level.

Site Elevation

The height of a location above sea level.

Natural Resource

A naturally occurring material with economic value (water, minerals, land).

Situation

External relationships and connections of a place to its surroundings.

Environmental Determinism

The outdated idea that the environment rigidly determines human actions.

Pattern

The arrangement or distribution of phenomena across space.

Space

The physical extent or area in which objects exist and interact.

Equal Area Projection

A map projection that preserves area across the map.

Peters Projection

An equal-area projection that emphasizes area accuracy, often distorting shapes.

Spatial Perspective

A geographic approach focusing on space and spatial relationships.

Possibilism

The belief that humans can overcome environmental constraints.

Sustainability

Meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations.

Fieldwork

Collecting data in the real world outside the classroom or lab.

Projection

A method for representing the curved surface of the Earth on a flat map.

Thematic Map

A map that displays a particular theme or data topic.

Flows

Movement of goods, people, or information between places.

Qualitative Data

Data described in words or categories rather than numbers.

Time Space Compression

The shrinking of geographical space due to faster transport and communication.

Vernacular /Perceptual Region

Regions defined by people's perceptions and mental maps.

Formal Region

A region defined by official boundaries or shared cultural traits.

Quantitative Data

Numeric data that can be measured and analyzed statistically.

Wallerstein World Systems Theory

A theory of global inequalities with core, periphery, and semi-periphery areas.

Friction of Distance

The concept that distance costs (time, money) affect interaction.

Reference Maps

Maps that show general geographic information such as location and layout.

Aging Population

A population with a rising median age and proportion of elderly people.

Agricultural Density

The number of farmers per unit area of arable land.

Anti-Natalist Policy

Policies aimed at reducing birth rates.

Arithmetic Density

Population divided by land area; a measure of crowding.

Asylum Seekers

People seeking international protection in a new country.

Brain Drain

Emigration of highly skilled or educated people from a country.

Carrying Capacity

The maximum population an environment can sustain long-term.

Chain Migration

Migration driven by family or kinship networks.

Crude Birth Rate (CBR)

Number of births per 1,000 people per year.

Crude Death Rate (CDR)

Number of deaths per 1,000 people per year.

Demographic Transition Model

A model describing shifts in birth and death rates as a country develops.

Dependency Ratio

Ratio of dependents (young and old) to working-age people.

Doubling Time

The number of years needed for a population to double at current growth rate.

Emigration

Leaving a country to live elsewhere.

Epidemiological Transition Theory

Shifts in mortality and disease patterns as societies develop.

Fertility

The birth rate or capacity of a population to reproduce.

Force Migration

Migration driven by coercion, conflict, or government pressure.

Guest Worker

A migrant who works temporarily in another country.

Immigration

The act of moving into a country to live there.

Immigration Policies

Laws and rules governing who can enter and stay.

Infant Mortality Rate (IMR)

Deaths of infants under age 1 per 1,000 live births.

Internally Displaced Person (IDP)

A person forced to flee home but who remains within their country.

International Migration

Migration across national borders.

Interregional/Internal Migration

Migration between different regions within a country.

Migration

Movement of people from one place to another.

Intervening Obstacles

Barriers that hinder or redirect migrants (cost, distance, borders).

Intervening Opportunity

An opportunity encountered en route that prompts migrants to stop.

Intraregional Migration

Migration within a region.

Life Expectancy

Average number of years a person is expected to live.

Malthusian Theory

Population tends to outpace agricultural production, leading to scarcity.

Maternal Mortality Rate

Deaths of mothers due to pregnancy-related causes per 100,000 births.

Migrant

A person who moves from one place to another.

Migration Mortality Rate

Deaths occurring during the migration process.

Natural Increase Rate (NIR)

Birth rate minus death rate, indicating population growth.

neo-Malthusians

Supporters of Malthusian ideas with updated data for modern times.

Physiological Density

People per unit of arable land.

Population Density

People per unit of land area.

Population Distribution

The spatial arrangement of a population across an area.

Population Pyramid

A graphical representation of age and sex composition.

Pro-Natalist Policy

Policies encouraging higher birth rates.

Pull Factors

Reasons that attract people to a new area.

Push Factors

Reasons that drive people away from a place.

Ravenstein's Laws

A set of 11 classic migration patterns identified by Ravenstein.