AP Human Geography - Unit 6: Cities and Urban Land Use

Introduction to Urban Geography

• Focus on cities and urban land use
• Example city: San Diego

Key Concepts

Site and Situation

• Site: Context of a place, including climate, resources
  • San Diego: ideal climate (65°F - 77°F), Pacific Ocean, and San Diego Bay
• Situation: Connections and accessibility
  • Near Los Angeles and Tijuana, access to Pacific Ocean

Changes Affecting Urbanization

• Transportation: Development of freeways, cars, airplanes
• Communication: Remote work due to technology (Zoom, Meet)
• Population: Birth rates, economic/migration factors
• Government Policies: Example of nimbyism in San Diego

Urban Structures

Mega Cities and Meta Cities

• Mega Cities: Population > 10 million
  • Increasing in developing regions
• Meta Cities: Population > 20 million

Hierarchy of Cities

• Global cities: New York, London, Paris, Tokyo
• Importance of globalization and interconnectedness

Suburbanization and Urban Sprawl

• Suburbs: Residential areas outside urban core
  • Example: East Lake
• Sprawl: Expansion of urbanized areas

Decentralization and Edge Cities

• Movement away from central urban core
• Edge Cities: Rapidly urbanizing cities on urban periphery
  • Example: Chula Vista
• Boom Burbs & Exurbs: Rapid growth or wealthier, more rural areas

Urban Models and Theories

Bid-Rent Theory

• Land cost increases near the city center

City Models

• Burgess Concentric Zone Model: Rings around CBD
• Hoyt Sector Model: Wedges extending from CBD
• Harris-Ullman Multiple Nuclei Model: Multiple centers of activity
• Galactic City Model: City with a surrounding highway

Non-U.S. City Models

• Latin American Model: Distinctive spine and industrial areas
• Southeast Asian Model: Port zones
• African Model: Colonial and traditional CBDs

Urban Planning Concepts

Urban Sustainability

• Mixed Land Use: Combination of residential and commercial
• Walkability, Smart Growth, New Urbanism: Sustainable city design
• Green Belts and Slow Growth Policies: Limiting urban expansion

Challenges in Urban Planning

• Density: High, medium, and low-density areas
• Infrastructure: Necessary services like police, schools
• Urban Design Pros/Cons: Sprawl, livability, housing costs

Quantitative and Qualitative Data

• Quantitative Data: Census, surveys
• Qualitative Data: Field studies, interviews

Discriminatory Housing Policies

• Redlining & Blockbusting: Historical racial discrimination
• Inclusionary Zoning: Promoting equitable housing access
• Urban Renewal & Gentrification: Renewing urban areas, potential for displacement

Governance and Urban Challenges

• Fragmentation of Governments: Multiple governing bodies
• Sustainability Challenges: Sprawl, sanitation, energy use
• Responses to Challenges: Regional planning, growth boundaries

• Conclusion: End of Unit 6 lecture
• Encouragement to engage with content and prepare for exams

Reminder: Review concepts regularly and reach out with questions as needed.