APHG UNIT 1

Unit 1: Thinking Geographically

  • Unit 1 focuses on the skills, concepts, and phenomena necessary to think like a geographer.

1.1 - Introduction to Maps and Types of Maps

  • This topic serves as an introduction to Advanced Placement Human Geography (APHG).

  • Understanding spatial patterns is critical in APHG as maps are extensively used.

Spatial Patterns

  • Definition: Spatial Patterns refer to how and where different geographic features occur on the Earth’s surface.

    • Spatial = Space; Patterns = Pattern.

    • Example: The mapping of the largest US cities to understand the spatial arrangement (e.g., LA and NYC on opposite coasts).

Types of Spatial Patterns

  • Absolute Distance:

    • Definition: Distance measured in units such as feet, miles, or kilometers.

    • Example: The absolute distance between LA and NYC is 2,788 miles.

  • Relative Distance:

    • Definition: Distance expressing similarities/differences between locations, not measurable on maps.

    • Example: Different economic statuses between neighborhoods; though a mile apart, their relative distance may be vast.

  • Absolute Direction:

    • Definition: Cardinal directions (North, East, South, West).

  • Relative Direction:

    • Definition: Direction of one location concerning another using colloquial references.

    • Example: "Go left here" compared to numerical directions (e.g., 32 miles west).

  • Clustering & Dispersal:

    • Clustering: Features that are close together (e.g. population centers).

    • Dispersal: Features that are spread out over a distance.

  • Elevation:

    • Definition: Height of geographical features in relation to sea level.

1.1 - Features of a Map

  • Features that enhance the utility of maps include:

Map Scale

  • Definition: The relationship between distance on a map and real-world distance.

  • Typically depicted using a bar scale or a line scale.

  • Types of Map Scales:

    • Large-Scale Map: More detail for smaller areas (e.g. cities).

    • Small-Scale Map: Less detail for larger areas (e.g. continents).

Direction

  • Represented by a compass rose indicating cardinal and intermediate directions.

Scale vs. Map Scale

  • Distinction between "scale" (area covered) and "map scale" (real-life representation).

1.1 - Kinds of Maps

Reference Maps

  • Definition: Maps that display specific geographic locations (e.g., road maps, political boundaries).

Thematic Maps

  • Definition: Maps that display geographic information beyond mere location.

  • Examples of Thematic Maps:

    • Choropleth Map: Uses colors to visualize data by geographic regions (e.g., election maps).

    • Cartogram: Distorts area size based on data (e.g., population maps).

    • Graduated Symbol / Proportional Map: Uses symbol size to denote data quantity (e.g., larger circles for more populous regions).

    • Dot Distribution Map: Utilizes dots to illustrate population or data points (more dots = higher population).

    • Isoline Map: Represents changes in data through lines (commonly used for elevation).

1.1 - Map Projections of Earth

  • All map representations cause distortions due to the difference between Earth's 3D shape and 2D maps.

Types of Map Projections

  • Mercator Projection:

    • Performance: Longitude and latitude are perpendicular, aiding navigation but distorts sizes, especially near poles.

    • Example: Greenland's exaggerated size.

  • Peters Projection:

    • Focus: Accurate landmass sizes but distorts shapes.

  • Goode’s Homolosine Projection:

    • Accurate land sizes and shapes; however, it's disconnected.

  • Polar Projection:

    • Views Earth from the poles; accurate near the center, distorted at edges.

  • Robinson Projection:

    • Balances multiple distortions (shape, size, direction) and is widely regarded as the most effective.

1.1 Summary

  • Key Terms Overview:

    • Spatial Patterns: Understanding the geographic arrangement and its implications.

    • Distances: Absolute vs. relative.

    • Direction: Understanding cardinal and relative directions.

    • Map Features: Importance of scale and direction on maps.

    • Types of Maps: Reference vs. thematic, and specific thematic types including choropleth, cartogram, graduated symbol, dot distribution, and isoline maps.

    • Projections: Distortions in portraying a 3D Earth in 2D.

1.2 - Geographic Data

  • This topic addresses the collection methods for geographic data and who gathers it.

Who Is Collecting Data

  • Individuals: Collect through field observations, photographs, and travel narratives (e.g., Ibn Battuta).

  • Organizations: Businesses or governmental entities with larger budgets for quick, extensive data collection (e.g., Google Maps).

  • Governments: Collect via methods like the Census, gathering personal information (location, age, etc.).

Types of Data

  • Quantitative Data: Numerical data (e.g. population counts).

  • Qualitative Data: Characteristic-based data (e.g. community approval rating).

1.2 - Geospatial Technology

Definition

  • Geospatial Technology: Hardware/software that collects and analyzes geographical features on Earth.

Components

  • Global Positioning System (GPS): Utilizes satellites to identify locations or navigate routes (e.g., Google Maps).

  • Geographic Information System (GIS): Software for manipulating geospatial data, often structured in layers for research or problem-solving.

  • Remote Sensing: Data collection via satellite/aerial imagery to study Earth's surface conditions (e.g. nighttime satellite imagery vs. detailed aerial photography).

1.2 Summary

  • Overview of data collection from individuals, organizations, and governments.

  • Distinction between quantitative and qualitative data.

1.3 - The Power and Uses of Geographic Data

  • Exploration of how geographic data informs decision-making.

Individual Uses of Data

  • Recreational Decisions: Travel planning using GPS data.

  • Moving/Relocation Decisions: Using geographic data for housing choices.

  • Locating Others: Using data to determine the whereabouts of individuals.

Government Uses of Data

  • Census Impact: Data collection influences policies, allocations, and the balance of power (House of Representatives representation).

  • Satellite Imagery for Crisis Management: Visualizing events (e.g. wildfires) to develop response strategies.

Business Uses of Data

  • Organizations utilize data for strategic decision-making (e.g. determining store locations during COVID-19 based on infection data).

1.3 Summary

  • Recapitulates methodologies of data use across individuals, governments, and businesses.

1.4 - Spatial Concepts

  • Concepts related to geographic phenomena organization.

Key Definitions

  • Spatial Concepts: Framework for describing locations, their characteristics, and relations to other critical locations.

  • Absolute Location: Fixed location identified using latitude and longitude coordinates.

  • Relative Location: Measurement of location relative to another place, which can vary.

  • Space: Theoretical description of Earth's surface, like an empty lot.

  • Place: A modified space with meaning, reflecting who is there (e.g., NYC).

  • Flow: Movement patterns between places (e.g., migration).

  • Time Distance Decay: The idea that distance reduces interaction frequency (further = less connection).

  • Time-Space Compression: Reduced distance perception due to technological advancements.

Geographic Patterns

  • Unpacking how things are organized, including categories like:

    • Random: No discernible pattern.

    • Clustered: Items closely packed.

    • Dispersed: Items spread out.

    • Linear: Arrangement along a straight line.

    • Circular: Arranged in circular patterns.

    • Geometric: Regular geometrical arrangements.

1.4 Summary

  • Outlines critical spatial concepts and categorizes geographic patterns.

1.5 - Human-Environmental Interaction

  • Discussion of human interactions with the environment.

Use of Natural Resources

Resource Types

  • Renewable Resources: Unlimited resources (e.g. solar, wind).

  • Non-renewable Resources: Limited resources (e.g. fossil fuels).

Sustainability

  • Definition: Using resources judiciously, ensuring future availability.

  • Three Pillars of Sustainability:

    • Environmental Sustainability - Maintain environmental quality.

    • Economic Sustainability - Balance economic growth with environmental protection.

    • Social Sustainability - Promote a just and inclusive society.

Land Use and Built Environment

  • Interactions shaped by cultural values produce distinct built environments (e.g., Washington D.C.).

Two Theories

  • Environmental Determinism:

    • Theory asserting the environment dictates cultural characteristics (e.g., clothing/styles based on climate).

  • Possibilism:

    • Counter-argument indicating humans diversify culture regardless of environment significance.

1.5 Summary

  • Overview of human-environment interactions focusing on resource use, sustainability concerns, and theoretical frameworks.

1.6 - Scales of Analysis

Term Definitions

  • Analysis: Observing, thinking, and concluding from data.

  • Scale: Size of the data set.

Scales of Analysis Types

  • Global Scale: Covers the entire planet.

  • Regional Scale: Focuses on specific regions (e.g., continents).

  • National Scale: Encompasses countries.

  • Local Scale: Focuses within a country (e.g., specific cities or neighborhoods).

Importance of Scale

  • Different scales yield varying spatial patterns, revealing essential insights on a localized vs. broader context.

1.6 Summary

  • Highlights the significance of different scales of analysis to discern spatial patterns and insights within geographical studies.

1.7 - Regional Analysis

Definitions

  • Region: A geographical unit with shared principles uniting its inhabitants.

  • Regional Analysis: The examination of regions' defining characteristics, patterns, and functions.

Types of Regions

Classification of Regions

  • Uniform/Formal Regions: Defined by common traits (language, religion) with identifiable boundaries.

  • Functional Region (Nodal Region): Defined by economic flows and connections but may have less clear limits.

  • Perceptual/Vernacular Region: Defined by personal beliefs, often vague in boundaries.

Contested Boundaries

  • Instances where boundaries are ambiguous or transition from one characteristic to another, exemplified by historical conflicts (e.g., Sudan split).

1.7 Summary

  • Summary of region definitions, analysis processes, and the classification of regions into formal, functional, and perceptual types.