Concisely Summarized Exam Notes

Types of Maps: Reference, thematic, cartograms, choropleth, dot maps, graduated symbols, isoline maps.
Spatial Patterns: Absolute vs relative distance; patterns of clustering and dispersal.
Map Projections: Understand distortions in shape, area, distance, direction (e.g., Robinson, Mercator, Gall-Peters).
Geographic Data: Importance of GIS and data collection methods (field observations, interviews, remote sensing).
The Power of Geographic Data: Applications in government, business, and personal decision-making.
Spatial Concepts: Key ideas like location, place, distance decay, human-environment interaction, etc.
Scales of Analysis: Must analyze regionally, nationally, and globally.
Regional Analysis: Types of regions (formal, functional, vernacular) and their characteristics.

Population Factors: Physical (climate, geography) and human factors (culture, economy).
Population Density: Measuring methods—arithmetic, physiological, agricultural.
Demographic Transition Model: Stages illustrating population change.
Malthusian Theory: Population growth vs food supply; policies to control population growth.
Population Policies: Anti-natalist vs pro-natalist policies' implications.
Migration Causes: Push/pull factors influencing movement.
Effects of Migration: Political, economic, and cultural effects on both origin and destination.

Introduction to Culture: Culture defined, cultural traits analyzed (food, architecture).
Cultural Landscapes: Interactions between physical geography and cultural practices.
Types of Diffusion: Relocation, expansion (contagious, hierarchical).
Language and Religion Patterns: Diffusion process and influence of languages and religions.

Political Geography: Understanding political entities; definitions of sovereignty and self-determination.
Political Boundaries: Types; their role in political and economic conflict.
Forms of Governance: Comparison of unitary vs federal states; implications of governance structures.

Introduction to Agriculture: Agricultural practices shaped by climate and physical environment.
Farming Systems: Intensive vs extensive farming methods.
Agricultural Models: Von Thünen’s model explaining rural land use.

City Origins: Influence of site and situation on city growth.
Urbanization Effects: Challenges and transformations due to city growth and development.
Urban Sustainability: Initiatives and challenges associated with sustainable practices in cities.

The Industrial Revolution: Technological advancements and their effects on society.
Economic Sectors: Understanding the primary, secondary, tertiary, quaternary, and quinary sectors.
Measures of Development: Criteria like GDP, GNI, HDI indicate development levels.
Sustainable Development: Focus on balancing resource use today with future needs.

Cultural Interaction: Globalization influences local cultures; movement of goods and ideas.
Environmental Impact: Addressing challenges like urban sprawl, pollution, and sustainable living.
Social Dynamics: Gender roles and inequality in economic participation.