AP Human Geography Unit One: Key Concepts and Review

Understanding and Interpreting Geographic Data

• Maps: Essential tools for geographers to analyze spatial patterns.
  • Spatial Patterns: Describe where things are located on Earth (e.g., mountains, highways).
  • Absolute and Relative Distance:
    • Absolute: Measured in physical units (miles, kilometers).
    • Relative: Measured by social, cultural, or political differences.
  • Absolute and Relative Direction:
    • Absolute: Cardinal directions (N, S, E, W).
    • Relative: Describes location in relation to another (e.g., "going down to Atlanta").
  • Clustering and Dispersal: How phenomena are spread out; clustered (close) or dispersed (spread out).
  • Elevation: Height relative to sea level, often shown by isoline maps.

Map Features

• Scale: Represents the relationship between map distance and real-world distance.
  • Large Scale: Zoomed in with more detail.
  • Small Scale: Zoomed out with less detail.
• Compass Rose: Shows direction on maps.

Types of Maps

• Reference Maps: Display specific geographic locations (e.g., road maps, topographical maps).
• Thematic Maps: Depict geographic data or phenomena spatially.
  • Choropleth Maps: Use colors to visualize data (e.g., election maps).
  • Dot Distribution Maps: Use dots to show data locations.
  • Graduated Symbol Maps: Use symbols that vary in size to represent data.
  • Isoline Maps: Use lines to show data changes.
  • Cartograms: Distort shapes to show data differences (e.g., population).

Map Projections

• Mercator Projection: True direction, distorted sizes away from the equator.
• Peters Projection: Accurate landmass size, distorted shapes.
• Polar Projection: True directions, distortion at edges.
• Robinson Projection: Compromise projection, distributes distortion evenly.

Geographic Data Collection

• Quantitative Data: Numbers-based (e.g., population counts).
• Qualitative Data: Descriptive and language-based (e.g., surveys).
• Data Gathering Methods:
  • Geospatial Technologies: GPS, GIS, remote sensing.
  • Written Accounts: Field observations, media reports, travel narratives.

Uses of Geographic Data

• Individuals: For travel, finding locations.
• Businesses and Organizations: For planning, location decisions.
• Government: For urban planning, disaster response, policy making.

Geographic Concepts

• Absolute and Relative Location: Specific coordinates vs. location in relation to another.
• Space and Place: Physical characteristics vs. meaning attributed by people.
• Flows: Patterns of spatial interaction and connection.
• Distance Decay: Decrease in interaction with increased distance.
• Time-Space Compression: Reduced travel time, cost over distances.
• Patterns: Arrangement of phenomena (random, linear, dispersed).

Human-Environmental Interaction

• Use of Natural Resources: Renewable vs. non-renewable.
• Sustainability: Resource use, pollution, climate change.
• Land Use: Built environments reflect cultural landscapes.

Theories of Human-Environment Interaction

• Environmental Determinism: Environment determines culture.
• Possibilism: Human agency shapes culture, environment offers possibilities.

Scales of Analysis

• Global, Regional, National, Local: Different levels of geographic study.
  • Larger scale: More detailed (local).
  • Smaller scale: Less detailed (global).

Regions

• Formal Regions: Defined by shared traits (e.g., language, religion).
• Functional Regions: Defined by shared functions (e.g., city and suburbs).
• Perceptual Regions: Defined by shared beliefs (e.g., "The South").
• Contested Boundaries: Regions with dispute over borders.

These notes cover the fundamental concepts and methodologies required to understand and analyze geographic data and patterns, a key part of the AP Human Geography curriculum.