AP Human Geography: Unit 1 - Thinking Geographically

Introduction to Geographical Analysis

• Geographers examine relationships among and between places.
• Aim to reveal important spatial patterns.

Vocabulary

• Cartography: Science of making maps.
• Scale: Represents size (e.g., 1 inch on map = 200 miles).
• Absolute Location: Exact location (e.g., 12-503 Wanke Complex).
• Relative Location: Location in relation to surroundings (e.g., near McDonald's).
• Place: Location with unique characteristics (e.g., urban downtown).
• Distance Decay: Interaction decreases with increased distance.
• Qualitative Data: Describes qualities; gathered from surveys/reports.
• Quantitative Data: Number-based; e.g., census.
• Landscape Analysis: Study landscape to understand human impact using various methods.
• Cultural Ecology: Interaction between people and the earth.
• Sustainability: Current practices that do not harm future resources.
• Renewable Resources: Replenishable (e.g., wind, plants).
• Non-Renewable Resources: Limited availability (e.g., fossil fuels).
• Regions: Areas with unifying characteristics.
• Flows: Interactions among people, info, goods.
• Space: Physical gaps between entities.
• Toponym: Name of a place.
• Site: Physical character of a place.

Maps and Projections

Types of Maps

• Reference Map: Shows physical features, used for navigation.
• Thematic Maps:
  • Cartogram: Distorts shape/size to show frequency/intensity.
  • Chloropleth: Uses colors/tones to represent spatial data.
  • Dot Distribution: Dots show frequency/intensity.
  • Isoline: Lines connect points of equal value.
  • Graduated Symbol: Varying symbol size for frequency.

Map Projections

• Mercator: Accurate shape/direction, rectangular, distorts poles.
• Gall Peter: Accurate landmass size, distorts shapes.
• Robinson: Focus on oceans, smaller land masses.

Geospatial Technologies

• Geographic Information System (GIS): Collects, analyzes, and displays geographic data.
• Global Positioning System (GPS): Determines precise location on Earth.
• Remote Sensing: Data collection from Earth's surface via satellites.
• Uses of Geospatial Data:
  • Finding locations (transportation).
  • Business advertising and site selection.
  • Planning parks/roads.

Different Ways of Land Use

1. Residential
2. Transportation
3. Recreational
4. Industrial/Commercial
5. Agriculture

Theories and Concepts

• Environmental Determinism: Environment entirely shapes cultural behavior.
• Environmental Possibilism: Environment influences but does not determine actions; technology and tools can alter the environment.
• Scales of Analysis: "Size" of map or detail level; global, regional, national, local.

Types of Regions

• Formal (Uniform): Shared characteristics (e.g., crop production).
• Functional (Nodal): Organized around a focal point, linked by systems.
• Perceptual (Vernacular): Culturally recognized area (e.g., "The South").