AP Human Geography Unit One Exam Review

Overview

• Lecturer: Steve Heimler
• Focus: Understand key concepts and tools for AP Human Geography Unit One
• Objective: Prepare effectively for the exam

Understanding Geographic Data

Importance of Maps

• Maps are essential tools for geographers
• Analyze spatial patterns (where things are located on Earth)
• Spatial patterns include:
  • Absolute distance: Measured in specific units (miles, kilometers)
  • Relative distance: Social, cultural, or political differences between locations

Key Spatial Patterns

1. Absolute and Relative Distance
   • Absolute: Literal distance measured
   • Relative: Social/cultural differences
2. Absolute and Relative Direction
   • Absolute: Cardinal directions (north, south, etc.)
   • Relative: Direction based on relation to another location
3. Clustering vs. Dispersal
   • Clustering: Items close together
   • Dispersal: Items spread out
4. Elevation
   • Measure of height relative to sea level, often shown on isoline maps

Map Features

Understanding Map Scale

• Scale indicates distance on a map relative to real-world distance
• Large-scale maps: Zoomed in with detailed features
• Small-scale maps: Zoomed out, showing broader areas

Direction Indication

• Usually depicted by a compass rose
• Shows cardinal and sometimes intermediate directions

Types of Maps

1. Reference Maps
   • Show specific geographic locations (road maps, political maps)
2. Thematic Maps
   • Display geographic information and data spatially
   • Types include:
     • Choropleth Map: Visualizes data with colors
     • Dot Distribution Map: Uses dots to show data locations
     • Graduated Symbol Map: Symbols vary in size based on data
     • Isoline Map: Shows data with lines (e.g., elevation)
     • Cartogram: Distorts size of shapes based on data

Map Projections

Types and Distortions

1. Mercator Projection
   • True direction, but distorts land masses (especially near poles)
2. Peters Projection
   • Accurate land mass size, but distorts shapes
3. Polar Projection
   • Shows true direction but distorts edges
4. Robinson Projection
   • Compromise projection with balanced distortion

Gathering Geographic Data

Types of Data

1. Quantitative Data: Numerical (counts, measurements)
2. Qualitative Data: Descriptive (observations, feelings)

Data Collectors

• Individuals: Researchers, advocates
• Organizations: Ex. U.S. Census Bureau

Methods of Data Collection

1. Geospatial Technology
   • GPS: Global Positioning System
   • GIS: Geographic Information System
   • Remote Sensing: Satellite imagery for geographic data
2. Written Accounts
   • Field observations, media reports, travel narratives

Geographic Concepts

1. Absolute and Relative Location
   • Absolute: Precise coordinates (latitude and longitude)
   • Relative: Location in relation to others (distance, time)
2. Space and Place
   • Space: Physical characteristics, measurable
   • Place: Meaning attributed by people
3. Flows
   • Patterns of spatial interaction (e.g., roads, travel)
4. Distance Decay
   • Connection weakens with distance
5. Time-Space Compression
   • Decreased distance in terms of time/cost to travel
6. Patterns
   • Arrangement of phenomena: random, linear, dispersed

Human-Environment Interaction

Focus Areas

1. Use of Natural Resources
   • Renewable (e.g., solar energy) vs. non-renewable (e.g., oil)
2. Sustainability
   • How to preserve resources, address pollution, and climate change
3. Land Use
   • Modifications made to land (built environment and cultural landscape)

Theories

1. Environmental Determinism
   • Environment shapes culture (outdated perspective)
2. Possibilism
   • Humans shape culture with various environmental possibilities

Scales of Analysis

Types of Analysis

1. Global Scale: Analyzing data across the entire globe
2. Regional Scale: Comparing data across large regions
3. National Scale: Examining data within a specific country
4. Local Scale: Studying specific neighborhoods or cities

Key Points

• Zooming In: Larger scale, more detail
• Zooming Out: Smaller scale, less detail
• Changing scales reveals variations in patterns

Regions

Types of Regions

1. Formal Region: Defined by shared traits (e.g., language, religion)
2. Functional Region: Centered around a node with shared function (e.g., cities)
3. Perceptual Region: Based on shared beliefs/feelings (e.g., the American South)

Boundaries

• Contested Boundaries: Disputed regions (e.g., Kashmir)

Conclusion

• Important to understand these concepts for the AP Human Geography exam
• Review materials available for additional help
• Stay focused and good luck!