AP Human Geography Unit 1 Exam Preparation

Understanding Geographic Data

• Maps: Essential tool for geographers to analyze and interpret spatial patterns.
  • Spatial Patterns: Relate to where things are located on Earth.
  • Absolute Distance: Measured in units like miles, kilometers.
  • Relative Distance: Social, cultural, political differences.
  • Absolute Direction: North, South, East, West.
  • Relative Direction: Direction relative to another location.
  • Clustering/Dispersion: How phenomena are spread out.
  • Elevation: Height of features relative to sea level, often shown on isoline maps.

Key Map Features

• Map Scale: Relation of distance on map to real world.
  • Large Scale Map: Zoomed in, shows large details.
  • Small Scale Map: Zoomed out, shows small details.
• Compass Rose: Shows cardinal directions.
• Types of Maps:
  • Reference Maps: Show specific locations (e.g., road maps, topographical maps).
  • Thematic Maps: Display geographic information.
    • Choropleth Maps: Use colors to show data.
    • Dot Distribution Maps: Use dots to show data points.
    • Graduated Symbol Maps: Use symbols of different sizes.
    • Isoline Maps: Use lines to depict data changes.
    • Cartograms: Distort size to show data differences.

Map Projections

• Mercator Projection: True direction, distorts size.
• Peters Projection: True land size, distorts shape.
• Polar Projection: Views from poles, edges distorted.
• Robinson Projection: Compromise, distributes distortion.

Gathering Geographic Data

• Quantitative Data: Numbers-based.
• Qualitative Data: Descriptive, language-based.
• Data Gatherers: Individuals, organizations (e.g., Census Bureau).
• Methods:
  • Geospatial Technology: GPS, GIS, remote sensing.
  • Written Accounts: Field observations, media reports.

Importance of Geographic Data

• Used by individuals, businesses, and governments for decision-making.
• Helps in urban planning, tracking patterns, and making informed decisions.

Six Major Geographic Concepts

• Absolute and Relative Location: Precise coordinates vs. relative descriptions.
• Space and Place: Physical characteristics vs. meaning attributed by people.
• Flows: Patterns of spatial interaction.
• Distance Decay: Less connection over greater distances.
• Time-Space Compression: Decreased time/cost to travel.
• Patterns: Arrangements of phenomena.

Human-Environment Interaction

• Use of Natural Resources: Renewable vs. non-renewable.
• Sustainability: Recommendations for preserving resources.
• Land Use: How humans modify their environment.
• Cultural Landscape: Built environment reflects values/culture.

Theories in Human Geography

• Environmental Determinism: Environment shapes culture.
• Possibilism: Humans shape culture, environment offers possibilities.

Scales of Analysis

• Global Scale: World-wide phenomena.
• Regional Scale: Large regions, comparisons.
• National Scale: Within a country.
• Local Scale: State, city, neighborhood.
• Understanding Scale: Larger scale = more detail, Smaller scale = less detail.

Regions in Geography

• Formal Regions: Linked by common traits.
• Functional Regions: Based on shared function.
• Perceptual Regions: Defined by shared beliefs, feelings.
• Contested Boundaries: Disputed borders affecting regions.