AP Human Geography Course Review

These flashcards cover key concepts from the AP Human Geography course, focusing on various geographical, social, economic, and political concepts and terminologies.

Types of Maps

Reference maps display geographic data while thematic maps emphasize a specific theme.

Absolute Distance

Distance that can be measured with standard units; for example, the mileage between two locations.

Relative Location

The location of a place in relation to other places.

Choropleth Map

A thematic map that uses color shades to indicate the value of a specific variable.

GIS (Geographic Information System)

A system designed to capture, store, analyze, and manage spatial or geographic data.

Threshold

The minimum number of people needed to support a service.

Urbanization

The process by which larger numbers of people become permanently concentrated in urban areas.

Gentrification

A process whereby wealthier individuals move into a neighborhood, prompting improvements in housing and infrastructure but displacing lower-income residents.

World Cities

Cities that have significant influence on global affairs due to their size, economic power and cultural vitality.

Climate Change Challenges

Urban sustainability efforts are increasingly challenged by climate change effects like rising sea levels and extreme weather events.

Malthusian Theory

The idea that population growth will outpace food production, leading to famine and disease.

Demographic Transition Model (DTM)

A model that describes population change over time in terms of birth and death rates.

Economic Sectors

The classification of economic activities into primary, secondary, tertiary, quaternary, and quinary sectors.

Neoliberalism

An economic approach that favors free-market capitalism and reducing state influence in the economy.

Urbanization and Migration

The movement of people from rural areas to urban areas, often due to job opportunities.

Centripetal Forces

Forces that unify a state's population and strengthen the state.

Centrifugal Forces

Forces that divide a state's population and may lead to conflict.

Human Development Index (HDI)

A composite index measuring average achievement in key dimensions of human development: health, education, and standard of living.

Push/Pull Factors

Factors that drive people away from or draw them to a certain place, influencing migration.

Carrying Capacity

The maximum population size that an environment can sustain indefinitely.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

A universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all by 2030.