AP Human Geography Unit 1 Cheatsheet: Thinking Geographically

Reference Maps show locations of places, features, and boundaries (political, physical).

Thematic Maps display spatial distribution of a specific phenomenon (population density, climate, language).

All maps distort because Earth is spherical; projections inevitably sacrifice accuracy in shape, area, distance, or direction. No projection is perfect—choose based on purpose.

Spatial patterns on maps:

• Absolute distance/direction (measured in units)
• Relative distance/direction (perceived, contextual)
• Clustering (concentration)
• Dispersal (spread out)
• Elevation (relief)

Non-technology (qualitative) sources: field observation, landscape analysis, personal interviews, and photographic interpretation (photos may be ground-level, aerial, or satellite).

Written sources: Travel narratives, media reports, policy documents, field notes.

Geospatial technologies:

• GIS (geographic information systems)
• Remote sensing (satellite/aerial imagery)
• GPS/satellite navigation
• Online mapping & visualization tools

Data gathered by organizations, governments, or individuals at any scale.

Absolute location: Precise coordinates (latitude/longitude).

Relative location: Position in relation to other places ("near the coast").

Space: Area or expanse; how phenomena are distributed across Earth.

Place: Specific location with meaning, identity, and human attachment.

Flows: Movement of people, goods, ideas, capital across space.

Distance decay: Interaction decreases with distance; closer places interact more.

Time-space compression: Technology reduces effective distance; places feel closer.

Pattern: Spatial arrangement of phenomena (clustered, dispersed, linear).