Overview
This lecture reviews all major concepts from Unit 1 of AP Human Geography, focusing on maps, geographic data, spatial concepts, human-environment interaction, scale, and regions.
Map Projections and Types of Maps
- All map projections distort the globe in shape, area, direction, or distance.
- Mercator projection preserves direction but distorts land sizes, especially near the poles.
- Goode Homolosine projection preserves land size/shape, distorts distances, and is interrupted.
- Robinson projection spreads distortion more evenly, especially near the poles.
- Gall-Peters projection preserves land size but distorts shape and direction.
- Reference maps show boundaries, names (toponyms), and features (e.g., topographic maps for elevation).
- Thematic maps display spatial patterns: choropleth (color shades), dot density, graduated symbol, isoline, cartogram, and flowline maps.
Geographic Data Collection and Types
- Remote sensing uses satellites to collect geographic info.
- GIS (Geographic Information Systems) analyze and display layered spatial data.
- GPS (Global Positioning System) provides absolute location using satellites.
- Field observations, interviews, media reports, government documents, travel narratives, and photo/landscape analysis gather data.
- Qualitative data is descriptive and subjective (e.g., opinions), while quantitative data is numerical and objective (e.g., census).
Spatial Concepts and Analysis
- Absolute location uses latitude and longitude; relative location is based on what surrounds a place.
- Place has physical (natural features) and human (culture, population) characteristics creating a "sense of place."
- Placelessness is when a location lacks unique identity.
- Spatial distribution consists of density (amount), concentration (clustered/dispersed), and patterns (arrangement).
- Time-space compression means technology reduces the influence of distance, decreasing distance decay.
Human-Environment Interaction and Land Use
- Environmental determinism claims environment dictates society's success; possibilism says humans can adapt and modify environment.
- Land use includes agricultural, industrial, commercial, residential, recreational, and transportation purposes.
- Natural resources are renewable (e.g., trees) or non-renewable (e.g., oil); sustainable policies protect resources for future generations.
Scale and Scale of Analysis
- Scale compares map distance to Earth distance: global, national, regional, local, sub-national.
- Scale of analysis describes how data is organized: globally (no country boundaries), nationally (by country), regionally (by areas like districts), and locally (by counties or cities).
- Small-scale maps are zoomed out and general; large-scale maps are zoomed in and detailed.
Regional Analysis and Types of Regions
- A region is an area defined by unique traits or activity patterns.
- Formal (uniform) regions share one or more common characteristics (e.g., countries, physical features).
- Functional (nodal) regions are organized around a central node (e.g., radio stations, airports).
- Perceptual (vernacular) regions are based on people's opinions or beliefs (e.g., "the Midwest").
Key Terms & Definitions
- Distortion — the alteration of size, shape, distance, or direction on a map.
- GIS — computer system for collecting, analyzing, and displaying geographic data.
- GPS — system providing absolute, satellite-based location.
- Remote Sensing — collecting data from satellites or aerial imagery.
- Absolute Location — exact point using coordinates.
- Relative Location — location described by surroundings.
- Time-space Compression — the reduction in time it takes to connect across space due to technology.
- Distance Decay — interaction decreases as distance increases.
- Environmental Determinism — theory that the environment shapes societies.
- Possibilism — theory that humans adapt to and modify the environment.
- Scale — relationship between distances on a map and the real world.
- Region — area defined by shared traits or activities.
- Formal, Functional, Perceptual Regions — types of regions distinguished by traits, central points, or perception.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Complete and check answers to the study guide in the Ultimate Review Packet.
- Take the unit one practice quiz to prepare for the test.
- Practice identifying and interpreting different map types and scales.
- Review and practice photo analysis skills as outlined in the study guide.