AP Human Geography

What is the purpose of maps according to the lecture notes?

To store reference material and communicate.

What does scale on a map compare?

Distances on a map to distances on Earth.

Describe a graphic scale.

A scale expressed as a scale bar on the map.

What is the main distinction between large scale and small scale maps?

Large scale maps show less area in greater detail, while small scale maps show more area with less detail.

What is a projection in the context of maps?

A method to represent Earth's curved surface on a flat map.

What are the four properties that all map projections distort?

Shape, area size, distance, and direction.

What is the main advantage of the Robinson projection?

It does the best job of representing spatial relationships.

What does the Goode's projection primarily preserve?

The size of areas.

For which application is the Mercator projection particularly useful?

For ship's captains.

What is a mental map?

An image about an area developed by an individual based on information or impressions.

Define a thematic map.

A map that portrays some point of data about an area.

What are isoline maps used for?

To join points of the same value with continuous lines.

What is the scale of analysis?

The level at which data is displayed, such as global, regional, national, or local.

Give an example of the global scale of analysis.

Climate change.

What characterizes a functional region?

A region defined by a node or central point with connected interactions.

What is the core of a region?

The center or heart that possesses all traits of the region.

Explain environmental determinism.

The belief that human actions are scientifically caused by environmental conditions.

What is possibilism?

The idea that people have the ability to adjust to their environment despite physical limits.

Define expansion diffusion.

When a trait spreads by passing from one person to another via some form of communication.

What is contagious diffusion?

A rapid and wide spread of a trait, affecting all individuals in its path.

What does the term 'S-curve' refer to in diffusion?

A three-step pattern of adoption observed in the spread of traits over time.

What is maladaptive diffusion?

The spread of traits that are unsuccessful or inappropriate in new settings.

Define time-distance decay.

The principle that the further you get from the origin point or the longer the time since the trait's start, the less likely you are to see it.

What is connectivity in the context of spatial interaction?

The various ways in which places are connected, such as phone lines or streets.

What does space-time compression refer to?

The reduction in time it takes for something to reach another place.