AP Human Geography Unit One Exam Review

Introduction

• Geographic data interpretation is crucial.
• Maps are essential tools for geographers.
• Geographers analyze spatial patterns.

Types of Spatial Patterns

1. Absolute and Relative Distance

   • Absolute distance: measurable distance (e.g., miles).
   • Relative distance: social, cultural, or political differences.

2. Absolute and Relative Direction

   • Absolute direction: north, south, east, west.
   • Relative direction: location in relation to another.

3. Clustering and Dispersal

   • Clustering: phenomena close together.
   • Dispersal: phenomena spread out.

4. Elevation

   • Height of features relative to sea level.
   • Often shown using isoline maps.

Map Features

• Scale: Shows the relationship between map distances and real-world distances.
  • Large scale: detailed, zoomed-in.
  • Small scale: less detailed, zoomed-out.
• Compass Rose: Indicates direction.
• Reference Maps: Show specific locations (e.g., road maps, political maps).
• Thematic Maps: Display geographic information.
  • Types: Choropleth, Dot Distribution, Graduated Symbol, Isoline, Cartogram.

Map Projections

1. Mercator Projection
   • True direction; distorted land masses.
2. Peters Projection
   • Accurate size; distorted shapes.
3. Polar Projection
   • True directions from poles; edge distortion.
4. Robinson Projection
   • Compromise projection; distorts all areas slightly.

Geographic Data Collection

• Quantitative Data: Numerical (e.g., population numbers).
• Qualitative Data: Descriptive (e.g., community satisfaction).
• Data Gathering:
  • Individuals and organizations (e.g., U.S. Census Bureau).
  • Geospatial Technologies: GPS, GIS, Remote Sensing.
  • Written Accounts: Field observations, media reports, travel narratives.

Use of Geographic Data

• Individuals: Travel planning, property search.
• Businesses: Location analysis, pandemic response.
• Government: Census data for decision-making, satellite imagery for disaster management.

Major Geographic Concepts

1. Absolute and Relative Location

   • Absolute: precise coordinates.
   • Relative: location in relation to another.

2. Space and Place

   • Space: Physical characteristics.
   • Place: Meaning attributed by people.

3. Flows

   • Patterns of spatial interaction.

4. Distance Decay

   • Connectivity decreases with distance.

5. Time-Space Compression

   • Reduced travel time and cost between places.

6. Patterns

   • Random, linear, and dispersed patterns.

Human Environmental Interaction

1. Use of Natural Resources
   • Renewable vs. non-renewable resources.
2. Sustainability
   • Pollution and resource preservation.
3. Land Use
   • Built environment and cultural landscape.

Frameworks of Thought

• Environmental Determinism
  • Environment determines culture.
• Possibilism
  • Humans shape culture within environmental possibilities.

Scales of Analysis

• Global Scale: Worldwide patterns.
• Regional Scale: Comparisons between regions.
• National Scale: Within a single country.
• Local Scale: Specific areas like neighborhoods.
  • Larger scale = more detail; smaller scale = less detail.

Regions

1. Formal Regions
   • Shared traits (e.g., language, religion).
2. Functional Regions
   • Defined by shared function (e.g., economic activity).
3. Perceptual Regions
   • Defined by shared beliefs and feelings.

Concepts to Remember

• Geographers define regions for analysis.
• Regions can overlap and have distinct boundaries.