UNIT 1 AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY

1. Absolute direction

The fixed direction, such as north, south, east, or west, based on a reference point like the cardinal directions.

2. Absolute distance

The exact, measurable distance between two places, typically in units like miles or kilometers.

3. Absolute location

A specific point on Earth's surface, defined by coordinates (latitude and longitude), without reference to anything else.

4. Current date

The present day or time period, often used to contextualize geographical data (e.g., population data or weather conditions).

5. Clustering

The grouping of similar things or phenomena in a specific area, often used to describe the concentration of certain populations or features.

6. Dispersal

The spreading of things or phenomena over a larger area, often the opposite of clustering.

7. Distance decay

A concept that describes how the interaction between two places diminishes as the distance between them increases. This is often applied to the frequency of communication, trade, or migration.

8. Elevation

The height of a location above a reference point, usually sea level.

9. Environmental determinism

The theory that the physical environment, especially climate, determines the patterns of human culture and societal development.

10. Field observations

Data collected through direct observation in a specific location or region, usually through surveys or studying physical characteristics in person.

11. Flows

Movements of goods, people, information, or ideas between places, often describing migration patterns, trade, or communication networks.

12. Formal region

A region defined by clear boundaries and recognized by official data or statistics, such as a country, city, or climate zone.

13. Functional region

A region defined by a particular function or activity, such as a metropolitan area, a school district, or a trade area.

14. Geographic Information System (GIS)

A technology used to capture, store, analyze, manage, and visualize geographical data, often using maps and spatial analysis.

15. Global

Referring to the entire Earth or something that affects or involves the whole world.

16. Landscape analysis

The process of studying the physical and cultural features of a landscape to understand human-environment interactions and changes over time.

17. Land use

How land is utilized by humans, including agriculture, urban development, forestry, and recreation.

18. Local

Referring to a specific, smaller area, often used to describe communities or regions that are geographically limited.

19. Map projection

The method used to represent the curved surface of the Earth on a flat map. Common projections include Mercator, Robinson, and Gall-Peters.

20. Media reports

News articles, broadcasts, or other media sources used to gather information about a region, event, or phenomenon.

21. National

Referring to a specific country or its government and institutions.

22. Natural resources

Materials and components found in the natural environment, such as minerals, water, forests, and fossil fuels, that can be used by humans.

23. Pattern

The arrangement of objects or features in a given space or area, whether they are regular, irregular, clustered, or dispersed.

24. Perceptual/vernacular region

An area defined by people's perceptions or feelings, often not clearly defined by official boundaries. Examples include "The South" in the U.S. or "Silicon Valley."

25. Personal interviews

A method of collecting data or information by asking questions directly to individuals, often used for qualitative research.

26. Photographic interpretation

The process of analyzing aerial or satellite images to gain insights into land use, topography, or other geographical features.

27. Place

A specific location on Earth with meaning or significance, often shaped by human experiences and perceptions.

28. Policy documents

Official papers or guidelines that outline decisions, laws, or plans made by governmental or organizational authorities.

29. Possibilism

The theory that the physical environment may limit human actions, but people have the ability to adjust and choose how to respond to these environmental constraints.

30. Reference map

A map that provides basic geographic information, such as the locations of cities, boundaries, roads, and physical features, used for general navigation.

31. Region

An area of Earth with specific characteristics that distinguish it from other areas, such as cultural, physical, or economic traits.

32. Relative direction

A direction described in relation to other directions or locations (e.g., "left," "right," "uphill," "downhill"), not fixed like absolute direction.

33. Relative distance

A measure of distance that considers the costs, time, or effort involved in reaching a destination, rather than just the physical or absolute distance.

34. Relative location

The position of a place in relation to other places, often described with terms like "near," "next to," or "close to."

35. Remote sensing

The process of collecting data from a distance, typically using satellites or aircraft to capture information about the Earth’s surface.

36. Satellite imagery

Images of Earth or other planets captured by satellites, often used in geographic analysis and mapping.

37. Satellite navigation systems

Systems like GPS that use signals from satellites to determine the location of objects or people on Earth.

38. Space

The physical area or distance between objects or locations on Earth, often studied in relation to patterns, interactions, and distributions.

39. Sustainability

The ability to maintain or continue something over the long term, particularly in relation to natural resource use, economic growth, and environmental health.

40. Thematic map

A map that focuses on a specific theme or subject, such as population density, climate, or economic activity.

41. Time-space compression

The reduction in the time it takes for something (such as an idea, person, or product) to travel or be exchanged across space, due to advances in technology like transportation or communication.

42. Travel Narratives

Personal accounts or stories about journeys or travels, often used as a source for understanding cultural landscapes or geographic perceptions.