AP Human Geography Unit 1: Thinking Geographically Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes covering geographic spatial thinking, location types, maps, density, distribution, and regions.

Spatial Thinking

The practice of understanding relationships between objects in space to analyze data and solve problems.

Absolute Location

A fixed location defined by coordinates such as latitude and longitude that does not change (e.g., NYC = 40.7°N, 74.0°W).

Relative Location

The location of a place in relation to other places (e.g., "North of DC, south of Boston"); it is subjective and varies by context.

Place

The human and physical characteristics of a specific location.

Time-Space Compression

The concept that the modern technological world feels smaller due to advancements in distance and time connectivity.

Density

The number of things within a defined area (e.g., population per square mile).

Distribution

How things are spread across an area (e.g., where different groups live in a city).

Choropleth Map

A thematic map where colors or patterns are used to show data distribution.

Proportional Symbol Map

A thematic map where symbols like circles or squares are sized to show quantity.

Dot Density Map

A thematic map where dots represent specific quantities and the spacing of the dots shows density.

Isarithmic Map

A thematic map where lines connect points of equal value to show intervals of change.

Flow Map

A map that illustrates the movement of people or goods.

Cartogram

A thematic map in which geographic area is distorted by a specific variable or data point, such as population.

Regionalization

The process of dividing large areas into smaller regions based on shared characteristics.

Administrative Region

A type of region defined by local governance.

Economic Region

A type of region categorized by trade and development patterns.

Cultural Region

A type of region defined by shared traditions and identity.

Environmental Region

A type of region defined by resource management.

The Why of Where

The fundamental geographic question asking why people, places, and phenomena are located where they are.