AP Human Geography Unit 1: Types of Geographic Data and Scale of Analysis

Flashcards defining key terms and concepts covering types of geographic data, data collection methods, map scales, scales of analysis, and governmental applications of geographic data.

Remote Sensing

A process of collecting information about the Earth using satellites orbiting the Earth.

Geographic Information System (GIS)

A computer system that can collect, analyze, and display geographic data.

Place

A specific point on the Earth's surface that has one or more unique characteristics.

Global Positioning System (GPS)

A network of satellites used to determine the location of something on the Earth's surface.

Field Observations

Firsthand observations recorded when geographers visit a place.

Media Reports

Online articles, newspapers, or local news stations that show what is happening right now in a place.

Travel Narratives

Accounts that show geographers what people think of a place and what they observed and experienced while visiting.

Government Documents

Records that show geographers how land is being used and what cultural values are being promoted.

Personal Interviews

Interviews conducted in person or online where geographers gain valuable insight.

Landscape Analysis

Studying the impact humans have had on an area by studying wildlife.

Photo Analysis

Analyzing photos to better understand the type of culture and demographic population.

Qualitative Data

Information that is presented in word form and is often up for interpretation and debate.

Quantitative Data

Information that can be counted and presented in number form.

Distance Decay

The effect of distance on cultural or spatial interaction.

Scales of Analysis

Levels of analysis including global, regional, national, and local scales that reveal variations in, and different interpretations of, patterns and processes.

Small Scale Maps

Maps that show a large geographic area with small amounts of data, zoomed out, with a big denominator number on the map scale.

Large Scale Maps

Maps that show a small geographic area with a large amount of data, zoomed in, with a small denominator number on the map scale.

Local Government Data Usage

The use of geographic data to figure out how land should be zoned, dictating land use and where buildings and industries can be built.

Regional Government Data Usage

The use of geographic data to create voting districts and determine which projects should receive state funding.

National Government Data Usage

The use of geographic data to change tax policies, determine where federal funding goes, understand different needs and wants, and determine which laws pass.

Local Scale

A scale of analysis examining local interactions, such as how a city is zoned to locate storefront businesses.

Regional Scale

A scale of analysis where businesses compare sales of stores in different regions to identify high-performing locations and improve underperforming ones.

Census Data

An official count of all individuals in the population collected to better understand a place.

Demographic Data

Information about a population, such as the total number of people in an area, gender, and age.