Overview
This lecture reviews the key concepts of Unit 1 in AP Human Geography, focusing on types of maps, data collection, spatial concepts, scales of analysis, and regional definitions.
Map Projections and Types
- All map projections distort aspects like shape, area, distance, or direction due to representing a 3D globe on 2D surfaces.
- Mercator projection preserves direction well but distorts land size (e.g., Greenland appears much larger than it is).
- Goode Homolosine projection preserves size and shape but distorts distance and direction, especially near map edges.
- Robinson projection spreads distortion but preserves size and shape better at the poles.
- Gall-Peters projection accurately shows land size but distorts shapes and direction.
- Reference maps show boundaries, names (toponyms), and features; thematic maps display spatial patterns with data.
- Topographic maps use contour lines for elevation; closer lines mean steeper terrain.
- Absolute direction is compass-based; relative direction depends on other locations.
- Absolute distance is exact (miles/km); relative distance is approximate.
Thematic Maps and Spatial Patterns
- Thematic maps: choropleth (color shades), dot density (points), graduated symbol (sized icons), isoline (connecting lines), cartogram (area size for value), flowline (movement).
- Clustering means data is grouped together; dispersion means spread out.
Geographic Data Collection and Types
- Data collected via remote sensing (satellites), GIS (layered mapping), and GPS (absolute location).
- Field observation, interviews, media reports, government documents, travel narratives, landscape & photo analysis are also common methods.
- Qualitative data is word-based and subjective; quantitative data is number-based and objective.
Scale and Applications
- Scale: local (details), regional, national, global (broad patterns); changing scale changes detail and generalization.
- Governments, businesses, and individuals use geographic and geospatial data for planning, policy, market analysis, and navigation.
Spatial Concepts & Human-Environment Interaction
- Absolute location uses coordinates; relative location uses nearby features.
- Place has physical (climate, landforms) and human (culture, demographics) characteristics.
- Sense of place: emotional connection to a location; placelessness: lack of unique identity.
- Spatial patterns: density (amount), concentration (spread: clustered/dispersed), and pattern (arrangement).
- Time-space compression: technology reduces distance decay’s effect on interactions.
- Environmental determinism: environment dictates society’s success; possibilism: humans adapt and modify environment.
- Land use: agricultural, industrial, commercial, residential, recreational, transportational.
- Resources: renewable (crops, trees), nonrenewable (oil, gas); sustainability ensures future resource availability.
Scales of Analysis
- Scale of analysis refers to how data is organized: global (no country borders), national (by country), regional (subdivisions like states), local (counties/cities).
- Small-scale maps are zoomed out (generalized); large-scale maps are zoomed in (detailed).
Types of Regions
- Formal (uniform) regions share common attributes (e.g., language, boundaries).
- Functional (nodal) regions organized around a central node (e.g., airport area, radio range).
- Perceptual (vernacular) regions are based on people's opinions and perceptions (e.g., "the South," "Middle East").
Key Terms & Definitions
- Distortion — Alteration of map features due to projecting a globe onto a flat surface.
- Reference Map — Map showing physical or political features.
- Thematic Map — Map displaying data patterns (e.g., population).
- GIS — Geographic Information System for analyzing and displaying spatial data.
- Remote Sensing — Collecting data from satellites or aerial sources.
- Absolute/Relative Location — Exact coordinates vs. location in relation to others.
- Sense of Place — Emotional attachment to a location.
- Time-space Compression — Reduced impact of distance due to technology.
- Distance Decay — Interaction decreases as distance increases.
- Environmental Determinism — Theory that environment determines societal development.
- Environmental Possibilism — Theory that humans can overcome environmental limits.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Complete and review the study guide for Unit 1.
- Take the unit one practice quiz.
- Check study guide answers using the answer key provided in the review packet.