Unit 6 Chapters 6-7

Land Use

Refers to how land is utilized (residential, commercial, industrial, etc.).

Density

The number of people or buildings in a given area.

Arithmetic Density

Total population divided by total land area.

Physiological Density

Population divided by arable land.

Agricultural Density

Farmers per unit of arable land.

Residential Density

Number of housing units per area of land.

Urban Density

Population within a built-up urban area.

High Density

More vertical land use (e.g., skyscrapers, high-rises), less green space, public transportation is more viable.

Low Density

More horizontal land use (e.g., suburbs), more reliance on cars, more private space (yards, parking lots).

Zoning Laws

Determine what type of building can be placed in an area (residential, commercial, etc.).

Mixed-Use Development

Combines residential, commercial, and recreational uses.

Infrastructure

The basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society.

Transportation Infrastructure

Includes roads, highways, subways, and airports.

Utility Infrastructure

Includes water supply, sewage, electricity, and internet.

Social Infrastructure

Includes schools, hospitals, and police/fire stations.

Green Infrastructure

Includes parks, green roofs, and urban trees.

Urban Infrastructure Importance

Supports economic activity, enables urban growth, and improves quality of life.

Public Transit

Supports compact, high-density development.

Car-Oriented Infrastructure

Supports low-density, sprawled urban form through highways and parking lots.

Edge Cities

Depend on highway systems for business and growth.

Smart Growth

Aims to develop walkable, compact, transit-oriented urban areas.

Sustainable Infrastructure

Investment that reduces carbon footprint and urban heat islands.

Effects of High Density

Efficient for public services but may cause overcrowding, congestion, and pollution.

Effects of Low Density

Provides more privacy and space but leads to costlier infrastructure and urban sprawl.

Real-World Example of High Density

New York City.

Real-World Example of Low Density

Phoenix.

Importance of Understanding Density and Land Use

Essential for answering free-response questions (FRQs) in exams.