APHG Unit 1: Thinking Geographically Study Notes

3-Level Review Strategy

3-Level Review Strategy Color Scheme

  • Red: Unfamiliar word; no memory of seeing it, or seen but unknown meaning.

  • Yellow: Understand meaning, but not confident using, explaining, or applying in context.

  • Green: Fully understand, can explain and apply in context, and can connect to other key concepts.

Introduction to Maps

  • Map & Cartography: A map is a two-dimensional representation of Earth's surface. Cartography is the science and practice of mapmaking, created by a cartographer.

  • Map Scale:

    • Large-Scale Map: Displays a small geographic area with high detail.

    • Small-Scale Map: Displays a large geographic area with minimal detail.

  • Map Projections:

    • Mercator Projection: Cylindrical map preserving direction and shape, but distorts landmass size near the poles.

    • Gall-Peters Projection: Equal-area map preserving relative landmass sizes, but distorts shapes.

    • Robinson Projection: Compromise map balancing distortions of size, shape, distance, and direction.

    • Goode Homolosine Projection: Interrupted equal-area map accurately depicting landmass sizes, but distorts distance and continuity.

  • Thematic Maps:

    • Choropleth Map: Uses shades or colors within defined boundaries to represent statistical data.

    • Dot Density Map: Uses dots to show quantity and spatial distribution.

    • Proportional (Graduated Circle) Map: Uses varied symbol sizes to indicate relative quantities.

    • Isoline Map: Connects points of equal value, such as elevation, temperature, or precipitation.

    • Topographic Map: Displays surface shape and elevation using contour lines.

    • Cartogram: Reshapes and distorts geographic area based on a specific statistical variable.

Geographic Data & Geospatial Technology

  • Geographic Data: Information linked to specific locations on Earth, often gathered via a population census.

  • Geospatial Technology:

    • GIS (Geographic Information System): Computer software designed to store, capture, analyze, and layer geographic data.

    • GPS (Global Positioning System): Satellite system providing exact spatial locations on Earth.

    • Remote Sensing: Gathering Earth surface data from a distance using satellites or aircraft.

  • Spatial Analysis & Patterns:

    • Spatial Analysis: Evaluation of locations, patterns, and spatial relationships.

    • Spatial Patterns & Distribution: The arrangement (clustered, dispersed) or spread of phenomena across space.

    • Data Aggregation: Grouping raw data into larger geographic units, influencing observed spatial patterns.

Spatial Concepts

  • Core Fields:

    • Geography: Study of places, environments, human populations, and spatial relationships.

    • Human Geography: Focuses on human activity, culture, populations, and spatial interactions.

    • Physical Geography: Focuses on natural processes and physical surface features.

  • Location Concepts:

    • Absolute Location: Precise position using coordinates like latitude (degrees north/south of Equator at 0∘0^\circ) and longitude (degrees east/west of Prime Meridian at 0∘0^\circ).

    • International Date Line: Boundary near 180∘180^\circ longitude where the date advances or regresses by one day.

    • Site vs. Situation: Site refers to internal physical characteristics (climate, terrain); Situation refers to relative location connected to surrounding features and transportation networks.

    • Toponym: The official or common name assigned to a place.

  • Distance & Movement:

    • Absolute Distance: Exact physical measurement in distance units.

    • Relative Distance: Measurement based on time, cost, or accessibility.

    • Time-Distance Decay: Decreasing spatial interaction between places as time or distance increases.

    • Space-Time Compression: Reduction in effective distance caused by transportation and communication advancements.

    • Migration: Permanent or long-term movement (Immigration = moving in; Emigration = moving out).

    • Mental Map: An individual's internal mental representation of space and places.

    • Eratosthenes: Ancient Greek scholar who calculated Earth's circumference and coined the term geography.

Human-Environmental Interaction

  • Cultural Ecology: Study of human-cultural interactions with environments.

  • Resources: Renewable resources naturally replenish over time; non-renewable resources exist in finite amounts.

  • Environmental Frameworks:

    • Environmental Determinism: Belief that the physical environment dictates human culture and societal development.

    • Possibilism: View that environment limits choices, but humans can choose how to adapt and modify their surroundings.

  • Human Impact:

    • Adaptation & Modification: Changing human behavior vs. physically altering the landscape.

    • Sustainability: Managing resources to meet current needs without compromising future generations.

    • Greenhouse Effect: Natural atmospheric heat retention by greenhouse gases (CO2CO_2, methane) warming Earth's surface.

    • Topography: Physical shape, landforms, and elevation of the land surface.

Scales of Analysis & Regional Analysis

  • Geographic Scale of Analysis: The scale level (local, regional, national, global) at which geographic data is analyzed or displayed.

  • Types of Regions:

    • Formal Region: Area defined by uniform, measurable shared characteristics.

    • Functional Region: Area organized around a focal node linked by transportation, communication, or economics.

    • Perceptual (Vernacular) Region: Area defined by human feelings, informal perceptions, or regional identity.