AP Human Geography Exam Preparation

Introduction

• Presenter: Steve Heimler
• Focus: Simplifying geography concepts for AP Human Geography Unit One Exam.
• Encouragement to utilize AP Human Geography review materials.

Understanding and Interpreting Geographic Data

Maps

• Importance: Central tool for geographers to analyze spatial patterns.
  • Spatial Patterns: Describe where things are located on Earth.
  • Types: Locations can include natural features and human-made structures.

Types of Spatial Patterns

• Absolute and Relative Distance
  • Absolute Distance: Physical distance measured in units like miles or kilometers.
  • Relative Distance: Describes cultural, social, or political differences/similarities between locations.
• Absolute and Relative Direction
  • Absolute Direction: Cardinal directions (e.g., North, South, East, West).
  • Relative Direction: Directions described in relation to another place (e.g., "down to Atlanta").
• Clustering and Dispersal
  • Clustering: Phenomena close together.
  • Dispersal: Phenomena spread out across an area.
• Elevation
  • Measured relative to sea level, often represented using isoline maps.

Map Features

• Scale
  • Large Scale: Zoomed in, more detail (e.g., a building).
  • Small Scale: Zoomed out, less detail (e.g., national level).
• Compass Rose: Indicates direction on a map (cardinal and intermediate directions).

Types of Maps

Reference Maps

• Display specific geographic locations (e.g., road maps, topographical maps, political maps).

Thematic Maps

• Display geographic information (e.g., choropleth maps, dot distribution maps, graduated symbol maps, isoline maps, cartograms).

Map Projections

• Mercator Projection: True direction but distortions at poles.
• Peters Projection: Accurate size, distorted shape.
• Polar Projection: True directions, distorted edges.
• Robinson Projection: Compromise projection with distributed distortion.

Gathering Geographic Data

Types of Data

• Quantitative: Numbers-based.
• Qualitative: Descriptive and language-based.

Data Collection Methods

• Individuals and Organizations: Collectors include researchers, U.S. Census Bureau.
• Technologies and Methods:
  • GPS: For location finding.
  • GIS: For research problem solving.
  • Remote Sensing: Satellite imagery and aerial photography.
• Written Accounts: Field observations, media reports, travel narratives.

Utilization of Geographic Data

• Decision Making: By individuals, businesses, and government.
  • Example uses: Travel planning, new business sites, government policy.

Major Geographic Concepts

Key Concepts

• Absolute & Relative Location: Absolute uses coordinates; relative uses reference points.
• Space & Place: Space is physical, measurable; place is attributed with meaning.
• Flows: Patterns of interaction between locations.
• Distance Decay: Interaction decreases with distance.
• Time-Space Compression: Decreased time to travel/interact due to technology.
• Patterns: Analyze how phenomena are arranged geographically.

Human-Environment Interaction

Main Areas of Study

• Natural Resource Utilization: Renewable vs non-renewable resources.
• Sustainability: Preserving resources, minimizing environmental impact.
• Land Use: Modification of land by human activity, reflecting cultural landscapes.

Theoretical Frameworks

• Environmental Determinism: Past view that environment shapes culture.
• Possibilism: Humans shape their culture, environment offers possibilities.

Scales of Analysis

Types of Analysis Scales

• Global Scale: Whole Earth.
• Regional Scale: Large regions.
• National Scale: Country level.
• Local Scale: State, city, neighborhood level.

Regions

Types of Regions

• Formal Regions: Defined by shared traits (e.g., language, religion).
• Functional Regions: Defined by a central node (e.g., cities).
• Perceptual Regions: Based on shared beliefs/feelings (e.g., the American South).

Boundary Types

• Transitional: No hard line between regions.
• Contested: Subject to disputes (e.g., Kashmir).