Unit 1 – Thinking Geographically (AMSCO 2nd Edition): Vocabulary & Map Concepts
Unit 1 – Thinking Geographically: Vocabulary & Map Assignment (AMSCO 2nd Edition) – Comprehensive Skeleton Notes
Note: The transcript provides the list of terms to study and the structure for a vocabulary chart. Definitions and examples must come from the AMSCO reading (Chs. 1–2) referenced in the transcript. Use the links and pages noted in the transcript to locate exact definitions and textbook examples. The notes below reproduce the exact term order and topic organization from the transcript and add placeholders for definitions and examples to be filled from the reading. Each term block is numbered in the order they appear in the reading, with a separating line between Term → Definition → Example as shown in the chart.
Unit 1 – Unit Overview (pg. 1–7)
Physical Geography
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Human Geography
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Four-level Analysis
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Analyze
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Theory
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Concepts
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Processes
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Model
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Spatial Models
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Nonspatial Models
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Time-Distance Decay
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Spatial Patterns
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Networks
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Quantitative Data
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Geospatial Data
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Qualitative Sources
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Scales of Analysis
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Topic 1.1 – Introduction to Maps (pg. 9–17)
Reference Maps
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Political Maps
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Physical Maps
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Road Maps
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Plat Maps
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Thematic Maps
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Choropleth Maps
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Dot Distribution Maps
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Graduated Symbol Maps/ Proportional Symbol Maps
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Isoline Maps
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Topographic Maps
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Cartogram
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Scale
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Cartographic Scale
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Small-scale Maps
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Large-scale Maps
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Absolute Location
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Latitude lines/Parallels
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Equator
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Longitude lines/Meridians
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Prime Meridian
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International Date Line
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Relative Location
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Connectivity
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Accessibility
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Direction
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Cardinal Directions
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Intermediate Directions
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Ghost Towns
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Distance
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Absolute Distance
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Relative Distance
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Elevation
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Distribution
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Patterns
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Clustered Distribution/ Agglomerated Distribution
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Linear Distribution
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Dispersed Distribution
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Circular Distribution
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Geometric Distribution
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Random Distribution
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Map Projection
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4 Distortions of Map Projections
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Mercator Projection
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Peters Projection
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Conic Projection
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Robinson Projection
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Topic 1.2 – Geographic Data (pg. 18–20)
Landscape Analysis
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Field Observations
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Spatial Data
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Remote Sensing
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Aerial Photography
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Fieldwork
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Topic 1.3 – The Power of Geographic Data (pg. 21–23)
Geovisualization
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Limitations of Geospatial Data
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Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
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Remote Sensing
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Geographic Information System (GIS)
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Community-Based Solutions
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Topic 1.4 – Spatial Concepts (pg. 31–34)
Spatial Approach
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Space
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Location
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Place
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Region
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Site
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Situation
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Sense of Place
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Placelessness
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Toponyms
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Time-Space Compression
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Spatial Interaction
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Flow
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Friction of Distance
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Distance Decay Model
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Limitations of Distance Decay Model (Declining Influence of Distance)
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Patterns
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Distribution
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Spatial Association
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Topic 1.5 – Human-Environmental Interaction (pg. 35–37)
Human-Environmental Interaction
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Natural Resources
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Renewable Natural Resources
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Non-renewable Natural Resources
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Sustainability
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Land Use
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Natural Environment
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Built Environment
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Cultural Landscape
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Cultural Ecology
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Environmental Determinism
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Possibilism
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Topic 1.6 - Scales of Analysis (pg. 38–42)
Scales of Analysis
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Geographic Scale/ Relative Scale
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Global Scale
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World Regional Scale
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National Scale
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National Regional Scale
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Local Scale
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Census
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Census Tract
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Data Aggregation
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False Conclusion
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Topic 1.7 - Regional Analysis (pg. 43–46)
Regions
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Formal Regions/ Uniform Regions/ Homogeneous Regions
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Functional Regions/ Nodal Regions
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Perceptual Regions/ Vernacular Regions
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Subregions
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Limitations of Regional Studies (Problems with Regions)
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Important notes and logistics from the transcript
• Textbook and edition: AMSCO Advanced Placement Human Geography, 2nd Edition (Copyright 2022). Read Chapters 1–2 (pp. 1–52) per the assignment. Do not use earlier editions.
• Access options: hard copy, softcover Student Edition, or Student Edition eBook; sampler link available for quick access while waiting for delivery.
• Vocabulary chart: Complete a labeled chart for each topic with terms in order; each term must be numbered; include a line separating Term, Definition, and Example; if a term is skipped, append it at the end with its topic indicated.
• Definitions must come from the reading; do not rely solely on external sources.
• Written descriptions of examples should come from the reading when possible; visuals may be used for terms related to maps or spatial concepts.
• Work can be handwritten or typed; handwriting is encouraged for retention.
• Binder organization: 1.5-inch binder with 8 dividers for 7 units + final divider for Semester/AP Review notes; use contents page references (Contents, pp. iv–xix) for unit organization.
• Regions and labeling practice: study Large Regions and Subregions as shown on pgs. 44–45 of the AMSCO book; practice labeling regions with the provided practice files/links.
• Resources/Links from the transcript:
– AMSCO 2nd edition sampler: https://sampler.perfectionlearning.com/ap-human-geo-2nd-sampler/index.html#p=1
– Perfection Learning product page: https://www.perfectionlearning.com/advanced-placement-human-geography-2nd-edition-t4038-g.html
– Regions practice: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-LGPmWiVgDbiS65Pgf6UvVn8Gk2hr6yX/view?usp=sharing
– Region labeling practice: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Qh60pysasDq8qlObWBTG6-4m7usajh/view?usp=sharing
• Important reminder: Term 60 mentions “4 Distortions of Map Projections” and terms 61–64 (Mercator, Peters, Conic, Robinson) are specific projection types to memorize.
Study tips and exam focus reminders
Master the order and numbering of terms from 1 through 124; this will help you locate definitions and examples efficiently during review.
For each term, be prepared to provide a concise definition straight from the reading and a specific example from the text or from the figures described in the chapters.
Pay attention to map projections and their distortions, since several terms (Mercator, Peters, Conic, Robinson) and the general idea of Distortions will frequently appear on the exam.
Understand how the different Scales of Analysis relate to regional studies, global flows, and local patterns, as these connections are repeatedly emphasized in AP topics.
Familiarize yourself with the regional concept distinctions: formal, functional, and perceptual regions, plus subregions and the limitations of regional studies noted in Topic 1.7.
Links to practice and region labeling
Sampler for the 2nd edition: https://sampler.perfectionlearning.com/ap-human-geo-2nd-sampler/index.html#p=1
Product page (softcover/eBook): https://www.perfectionlearning.com/advanced-placement-human-geography-2nd-edition-t4038-g.html
Large Regions/ Subregions visuals: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-LGPmWiVgDbiS65Pgf6UvVn8Gk2hr6yX/view?usp=sharing
Region labeling practice: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Qh60pysasDq8qlObWBTG6-4m7usajh/view?usp=sharing
Contents reference (AMSCO):
Contents: pp. iv–xix for unit setup and divider labeling
Unit page range for this topic: Unit 1 – Thinking Geographically (pp. 1–7 overview; pp. 9–17 Introduction to maps; pp. 18–42 Geographic Data & Concepts; pp. 43–46 Regional Analysis)
If you want, I can turn this skeleton into a fillable document by topic, or provide completed definitions/examples once you share the AMSCO excerpts or the exact text passages for each term.