AP Human Geography: The Power of Geographic Data

Introduction

• Geographic data is crucial in decision-making.
• Personal anecdote: Living near many Chick-fil-As prompts a study of geographic data.

Sources of Geographic Data

• Field observations
• Media reports
• GPS and GIS

Importance of Geographic Data

• Data is not collected just for fun; it drives decisions.

Uses of Geographic Data

Personal Decisions

1. Recreation

   • Planning trips using GPS systems.
   • Example: Finding hotels near attractions like the world's largest ball of paint.

2. Moving or Relocating

   • Using sites like Zillow for house hunting.
   • Evaluating school districts based on geographical data.

3. Tracking People

   • Parents using phone tracking to make decisions.
   • Example: Tracking influences decisions regarding attending events.

Government Decisions

• Census Data

  • Conducted every 10 years in the US.
  • Collects information on population and demographics.
  • Influences allocation of government funds and political power distribution.

• Satellite Imagery

  • Used to track natural events like wildfires.
  • Helps in evacuation and strategic planning.

Business and Organizational Decisions

• Example: COVID-19 pandemic response based on geographic data.
• Businesses like Chick-fil-A use data to decide store locations based on population movements.

Conclusion

• Geographic data is powerful because it drives decision-making across personal, governmental, and business domains.
• Further study and review recommended for a deeper understanding.