Lecture Notes: Geographic Data and Geospatial Technologies

Introduction

• Planet is changing due to urban sprawl, deforestation, climate change.
• Remote sensing and GIS (Geographic Information System) are key tools.

Remote Sensing

• Collects information about Earth from satellites.
• Geographic data used in GIS.
• GIS: computer system to analyze, collect, display geographic data.
  • Creates layered maps for spatial associations, patterns, trends.
  • Provides insights to individuals, governments, organizations.

Applications of GIS

• Farmers: Use GIS to understand field conditions (water, pesticides, etc.) and increase yield.
• GPS (Global Positioning System) used for navigation and by farmers for optimized planting.
• Geospatial technologies benefit society by visualizing geographic data.

Field Observations

• Data gathered firsthand in the real world.
• Accurate but can be costly or impractical.

Alternative Data Collection Methods

• Media Reports: Articles, newspapers, local news for current events and public sentiment.
• Travel Narratives: Personal experiences and observations; unfiltered perspective.
• Government Documents: Land use, cultural values, policies, demographic trends.
• Personal Interviews: Insights from individuals with firsthand experience or expertise.

Landscape Analysis

• Studies human impact on vegetation, wildlife, geography, etc.
• Example: Remote sensing shows urban sprawl in Las Vegas.

Photo Analysis

• Analyzes photos for cultural, demographic, and geographic insights.
• Example: Walls in photos indicate division/conflict; flat roofs indicate hot climate.

Data Categories

• Qualitative Data: Observations, interviews, subjective, hard to replicate (e.g., presidential approval ratings).
• Quantitative Data: Numerical, factual, not up for debate (e.g., age cohorts, religious breakdown).

Conclusion

• Data can be collected in various ways and categorized into qualitative and quantitative.
• Emphasis on the importance of geographic data and geospatial technologies.
• Encouragement to practice and utilize additional resources for AP Human Geography.

• Calls to Action: Practice questions, subscribe for more videos, check out the ultimate review packet.
• Instructor: Mr. Sin