Unit 1, Topic 6 Review - Scales of Analysis in AP Human Geography

Introduction to Scales of Analysis

• Focus on how information is organized geographically.
• Scale refers to the relationship between distances on a map versus the actual distances on Earth's surface.

Types of Scales

• Global Scale: Examines the entire Earth's surface.
• State/National Scale: Focuses around a country's borders.
• Sub-National/Sub-State Scale: Analyzes areas below the national level such as states, counties, or cities.
• Census Tract: A smaller unit used to gather statistical data within cities.

Defining "State"

• A state refers to an area with political boundaries governed by an organized government.
• Can be confusing in the U.S. as it refers to both individual states and countries in a global context.

Scales of Analysis

• Focuses on how data is categorized and presented, which includes:
  • Global
  • Regional
  • National
  • Local
• Different maps may have different scales but can still present the analysis at different levels.

Example of Scale vs. Scale of Analysis

1. Map 1: Global scale map that presents national data.
   • Scale of the map is global, but the data is categorized by states, hence national scale of analysis.
2. Map 2: Global scale map not utilizing country boundaries.
   • Both scale and scale of analysis are global.
3. Map 3: National scale map with localized data.
   • Scale is national; scale of analysis is local (county level).
4. Map 4: National scale focused on regional data.
   • Scale remains national, analysis is by regional districts (Federal Reserve Districts).

Analyzing Changes in Scale

• Changing scale or analysis can reveal different patterns and insights.
• Local scales offer specific, detailed information, while national and global scales provide broader patterns.

Example Using Hospital Construction Planning

1. Global Map: Identifies areas with high cancer rates to determine general locations for hospitals but lacks specific details.
2. National Map: Provides insights at the state level, narrowing down options to states with higher cancer rates (e.g., Kentucky, Mississippi).
3. Local County Map: Gives detailed information about cancer rates across counties within a selected state (Kentucky), aiding in precise decision-making for hospital location.

Data Presentation

• Data tables can also apply the same principles of scale.
• Example: Median household income can be presented nationally or broken down to the county level.

Conclusion

• Importance of understanding scales and scales of analysis in geography.
• Recommends using additional study resources (review packets, Discord server) for further assistance in AP Human Geography.