Introduction to Maps and Geographic Data
This section introduces students to various map types and geospatial data collection methods essential for AP Human Geography.
Types of Maps
Maps are categorized into reference and thematic maps, each serving different purposes in geographic analysis.
Definition: Reference maps provide general information about places, typically including political and physical features.
Definition: Thematic maps are used as communication tools to display the distribution of human activities or other specific data.
Examples of thematic maps include:
- Cartograms
- Choropleth maps
- Isoline maps
- Proportional symbol maps
- Dot density maps
Example: A choropleth map might show population density across different states, using color gradients to represent varying levels of density.
Map Projections
The section discusses various map projections and their characteristics:
- Mercator projection
- Robinson projection
- Goode projection
- Gall-Peters projection
Highlight: Each projection has its strengths and limitations in representing shape, size, distance, and direction on a flat surface.
Spatial Patterns
Students learn to identify spatial patterns represented on maps:
- Clustering
- Dispersal
- Elevation
Vocabulary: Clustering refers to the grouping or bunching together of geographic features, while dispersal indicates distribution over a wide area.
Geographic Data Collection Methods
The unit introduces various methods for collecting geospatial data:
Definition: Geospatial data encompasses all information related to physical features and human activities on Earth's surface.
Key data collection and analysis tools include:
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Global Positioning System (GPS)
- Remote sensing
Example: Remote sensing involves taking pictures of Earth's surface from satellites or aircraft to analyze large-scale geographic patterns.
Additional data sources include field observations, media reports, travel narratives, policy documents, personal interviews, landscape analysis, and photographic interpretation.
