AP Human Geography: Chapter 2 Key Terms

Map Projection

A systematic method of transferring a spherical surface to a flat map.

Dot Map

A thematic map in which a dot represents some frequency of the mapped variable.

Choropleth Map

A thematic map in which ranked classes of some variable are depicted with shading patterns or colors for predefined zones.

Proportional Symbol Map

A thematic map in which the size of a symbol varies in proportion to the frequency or intensity of the mapped variable.

Isoline Map

A thematic map with lines that connect points of equal value.

Map

A two-dimensional graphical representation of the surface of the Earth (or of the events that occur on the Earth).

Region

An area characterized by similarity or by cohesiveness that sets it apart from other areas. The third theme of geography.

Human-Environmental Interactions

The ways in which human society and the natural environment affect each other. The fifth theme of geography.

Geographic Information Systems

A computer hardware and software system that handles geographically referenced data. A GIS uses and produces and has the ability to perform many types of spatial analysis.

Reference Maps

A general-purpose map that shows recognizable landmarks, roads, and political units.

Thematic Maps

A map that demonstrates a particular feature or a single variable. 1) dot maps, 2) choropleth maps, 3) proportional symbol maps, and 4) isoline maps.

Simplification

Elimination of unimportant detail on maps and retention and possible exaggeration and distortion of important information depending on the purpose of the map.

Legend

Explanatory list of symbols in a map. Usually appears in a box in a lower corner.

Primary Data

Information collected directly by the researchers or their equipment without any any intermediary. This can include surveys, interviews, observations, or measurements obtained in the field.

Secondary Data

Information obtained indirectly from another source that was previously collected, processed, and made available to a larger audience.

Spatial Data

Information that has a geographical or locational compound.

Location

The absolute position of something on the surface of the Earth and its relative proximity to other related things. The first theme of geography.

Movement

The flow of people, goods, money, ideas, or materials between locations near or far. The fourth theme of geography.

Aggregation

The level of detail for dividing a thematic map into geographic units, ranging from a coarse division (e.g., countries) to a fine division (e.g., zip codes).

Place

The local human and physical characteristics that uniquely define a place and give it meaning to its inhabitants. The second theme of geography.

Map Scale

The ratio of map distance to earth distance to earth distance, measured in the same units.

Human Geography

The study of the distribution of humans and their activities on the surface of the Earth and of the processes that generate these distributions.