Models + Theories for AP Human Geography

Demographic Transition Model

A model that describes the transition from high birth and death rates to lower birth and death rates as a country develops, typically through four to five stages.

Epidemiologic Transition Model

A model that describes the changes in health status and reasons for mortality as a country develops and transitions through different stages of demographic change.

Gravity Model

A model that predicts the interaction between two places based on their population size and distance. It is used to estimate the flow of people, goods, and services between locations.

World Systems Theory

A theory that explains the socioeconomic dynamics of the world by dividing countries into core, periphery, and semi-periphery, highlighting how wealth and resources flow between them.

Core-domain-sphere model

A model that describes the spatial organization of cities and their influence over surrounding areas, often illustrating the core, domain, and sphere of influence for different urban centers.

Von Thunen Model

A model that explains agricultural land use in relation to distance from a central market in sets of rings emphasizing how different types of agriculture are located at varying distances based on transportation costs.

South East Asia Urban Model

A model that outlines the unique spatial organization and urban structure of cities, characterized by a mix of traditional and modern influences, with a focus on a central port.

Least Cost Theory

A theory developed by Alfred Weber that explains the optimal location for a manufacturing plant based on minimizing transportation and labor costs, while considering agglomeration and economies of scale.

Rostow’s Stages of Economic Development

A theory that postulates economic growth occurs in five stages, from traditional societies to high mass consumption, emphasizing investment and technological advancements.

Rank Size Rule

A principle that states that the population of a city or town is inversely proportional to its rank in the urban hierarchy, meaning the second-largest city will be half the size of the largest city, the third will be one-third the size, and so on.

Primate CIty Rule

A pattern in urban geography where the largest city in a country is at least twice as larg than the second-largest city,

Locational Interdependence

A theory proposed by Harold Hotelling that explains how businesses choose locations based on the location of competitors, emphasizing the importance of market demand and competition in determining geographic placement.

Galactic City Model

An urban model that depicts how cities evolve around a central business district with suburban residential areas and edge cities, highlighting the importance of transportation links and decentralization.

Concentric Zone Model

model that describes urban land use in concentric circles, each representing different social groups and economic activities, with the CBD at the center.

Sector Model

A model developed by Hoyt that illustrates urban land use in sectors radiating out from the central business district, highlighting the influence of transportation and socioeconomic factors on residential patterns.

Multi Nuclei Model

An urban model that suggests cities develop around multiple markets, each responsible for different activities, reflecting the diverse functions and complexities of urban areas.

Latin America City Model

A model that explains the unique urban structure of these type of cities, characterized by a central plaza, commercial spine, and zones of elite residential areas surrounded by lower-income neighborhoods, influenced by colonial history.

Urban Realms Model

A model that describes the spatial organization of cities, where each area functions independently but is interconnected

Sub-Saharan Urban Model

A model that outlines the urban structure of cities, characterized by a central business district, informal housing areas, and distinct zones for various socioeconomic groups, reflecting colonial legacies and rapid urbanization.

Central Place Theory

A theory proposed by Walter Christaller that explains the size, number, and distribution of human settlements, with a hierarchy based on the range and threshold of goods and services offered.

Bid-Rent Theory

A theory that explains land value variation in urban areas, where land closer to the city center is more expensive due to competition for location among different land uses, particularly residential and commercial.

Lee’s Model of Migration

A theoretical framework that categorizes migration flows based on a set of push and pull factors. It emphasizes the reasons behind migration, including economic opportunities, environmental factors, and the effects of distance.

Ravenstein’s laws of migration

A set of 11 principles established that describe the patterns and characteristics of #########, highlighting that people tend to move short distances, are often male, and usually settle in urban areas, while also noting that this occurs in stages.

Boserup’s model of agricultural development

A theory that suggests agricultural productivity can increase through technological innovations and changes in farming practices in response to population growth. It emphasizes the adaptive nature of agricultural systems.

Heartland Theory

A geopolitical theory which asserts that the nation that controls Eastern Europe commands the ### and thus the world. It emphasizes the strategic significance of this region for global dominance.

Rimland Theory

A geopolitical theory proposing that the coastal fringes of Eurasia " are crucial for global power, emphasizing the significance of access to sea routes and the importance of controlling this area for achieving dominance.

Zelinsky Migration Transition Model

A model that illustrates the relationship between migration patterns and the stages of demographic transition, highlighting how migration trends vary as countries progress through different demographic stages.

Distance Decay Theory

A geospatial theory that describes the decreasing likelihood of interactions or connections between two locations as the distance between them increases.

Laws of the Seas

International agreements that govern maritime rights and responsibilities, including territorial waters and navigation.

American Transportation Model

The model divides transportation into 5 epochs (stages) Sail/Wagon, Iron Horse, Steel Rail, Auto-Air-Amenity, and High Technology.