AP Human Geography - Unit 5: Cities and Urban Land Use Patterns and Processes

Chapter 9: Urban Geography

Introduction

• Focus on the study of cities and urbanization patterns.

• Influence of geography on urban development.

• Key features and functions of urban areas.

An Urban World

• Global perspective on urban population.

• Various regions characterized by urbanization levels.

• Importance of urban population percentages for understanding societal structures.

Definitions and Characteristics of Cities

• City: Agglomeration of people and buildings, serving as centers for politics, culture, and economics.

• Distinguishing from rural areas: Non-agricultural and often crowded.

Role of Cities

• Access to goods and services increases.

• Urban centers enable efficient taxation and infrastructure development (e.g., transportation, public services).

• Cultural, political, educational, and economic hubs.

• Centers for information, entertainment, and innovation.

The Hearths of Urbanization

• First Urban Revolution: Independent emergence of cities in six agricultural hearths:

  • Mesopotamia (3500 B.C.E.)

  • Nile River Valley (3200 B.C.E.)

  • Indus River Valley (2900 B.C.E.)

  • Huang He and Wei Valleys (1500 B.C.E.)

  • Mesoamerica (1100 B.C.E.)

  • Peru (900 B.C.E.)

• Relationship between agricultural surplus and the rise of urban leadership.

Urban Morphology and Functional Zonation

• Urban Morphology: Study of city layout and physical organization.

• Functional Zonation: Divisions within a city based on purpose, such as residential vs. industrial.

• Analysis of spatial distribution contributes to understanding power dynamics.

Cities in Ancient Societies

• Served multiple economic and cultural functions as trading hubs.

• Size of ancient cities, typically smaller than modern cities, averaging 10,000 - 15,000 inhabitants.

Site and Situation of Cities

• Site: Absolute location of a city (trade, defense).

• Situation: Relative location in the context of the surrounding region, which can change over time.

Neolithic Revolution and Urban Growth

• Urbanization linked to advancements in agriculture.

• Migration patterns owing to increased food supply.

Historical Urban Developments

• Ancient Greece and Rome: Establishment of significant urban centers tied to political and trade activities.

• Growth in other regions, including significant urbanization in West Africa and the Americas during respective historical periods.

Urbanization During Colonization

• Impact of European colonization on existing cities, creating new trade routes.

• Transition of cities such as Timbuktu and Xian from central to peripheral trade roles.

Second Urban Revolution

• Late 17th to 18th century marked by improvements in agriculture leading to industrial cities.

• Rising urban populations requiring adaptations in infrastructure and housing.

Industrial City Conditions

• Rapid industrialization resulting in overcrowded and unsanitary living conditions.

• Emergence of “black towns” exemplifying urban challenges in industrial regions.

Distribution of Cities and Urban Hierarchy

• Trade areas define cultural and economic influence.

• Rank-Size Rule: City population's size inversely proportional to its rank.

• Concept of Primate Cities: One city dominating in size and influence compared to others.

City Models

• Central Place Theory: Guides understanding where services and settlements are located based on market size (threshold) and distance (range).

• Different urban models (e.g., Burgess’s Concentric Zone Model, Hoyt’s Sector Model) illustrate functional zoning.

• Multiple Nuclei Model: Recognizes varied urban development centers away from CBDs.

Gentrification, Urban Sprawl, and New Urbanism

• Gentrification: Revitalization leading to displacement of low-income residents.

• Urban sprawl: Uncontrolled expansion of urban areas without proper planning.

• New Urbanism: Vision for developing walkable neighborhoods and efficient land use.

Urban Challenges

• Food Deserts: Lack of access to affordable, nutritious food in urban areas.

• Gentrification's Impact: Rising property values causing displacement, highlighting the intersection of economic trends and social issues.

• Gated Communities: Reflect segmentation of urban spaces based on socioeconomic status.

Globalization and Urban Geopolitics

• Role of world cities in global economy transcending national borders.

• Urbicide: The intentional destruction of urban centers in conflict.

Comparative Analysis of Urban Forms

• Distinct characteristics of European and North American cities regarding space use and population distribution.

• European cities incorporate mixed-use development promoting density and walkability.

Cities as Consumption Spaces

• Transformation of urban areas into entertainment districts.

• Impact of media on shaping modern urban environments.