1. Geography “Geo”= Earth, “Graphy”= to write
Geography is divided into two categories
Physical: natural forces such as climates, landforms, types of vegetation
Human: where human activities are located such as industry, religion, language, etc.
In AP Human Geography we are concerned with Where and Why?

2. Maps
Maps are the primary tools geographers use to display and analyze information.
Geography is distinguished from other subjects by its reliance on maps.
Today you will be looking at the different ways in which maps display information and are designed.

3.  Type of Map (thematic* or reference)
Maps: Two-dimensional, scaled representations of Earth surface - show spatial data (data with locational component)
Cartography (map-making) involves 5 design decisions – based on purpose of map
 Projection
 Simplification
 Scale
 Aggregation
 Type of Map (thematic* or reference)
DISCUSSION:
* Break this definition down and explain what each part means.

4. THEMATIC MAPS – depict characteristics of places
Categorical type
- Depict areas that are different in kind
- Use several distinct colors to show different categories
desert forest tundra
Examples: climates, religions
Choropleth type
- Depict areas that are different in amount
- Use shades of similar colors to show different values
high value medium low value
Examples: population density, literacy rates

5. Example of “categorical map”

6. Example of “choropleth map”
Human Development Index (HDI) Rankings
Includes GNI/PPP, Literacy, and Life Expectancy
Which regions have high HDI?
Which regions have low HDI?
Which places are exceptions?

7. Isoline type (Average Daily Solar Radiation)
Lines connect points of equal value
DISCUSSION:
* Do you have a preference among these two types of maps?
* Do you find one of these easier to understand than the other?
Dot Density type (Wisconsin Acreage in Potatoes)
Each dot represents a frequency of mapped variable

8. Proportional (Graduated) Symbol Map
Size of symbol varies in relation to frequency or intensity of the mapped variable
DISCUSSION:
* What are some of the advantages of each of the four types of thematic maps?

10. Cartogram

11. Systematic methods of transferring a spherical surface to a flat map
Sample Map Projections
Systematic methods of transferring a spherical surface to a flat map
Distortion must occur in either size, shape, distance, or direction – all projections are compromises
Mercator
DISCUSSION:
* How are these two map projections different?
* Which do you prefer? Which one is more popular?
Robinson
Polar

12. (They distort shapes to make sizes correct.)
Equal-Area projections best where purpose is to compare distributions of a variable between places
(They distort shapes to make sizes correct.)
What impressions do you get from this map?

16. Larger-scale shows less land area in more detail. Used on local maps.
The ratio of map distance to earth distance, measured in the same units
Map Scale
smaller scale
Sample Area Covered Fraction Scale Verbal Scale
World 1:78,000,000 1 in = 1,250 mi
No. America 1:36,000,000 1 in = mi
Central U.S. 1: 4,000,000 1 in = mi
AAA Colo map 1: 1,267,200 1 in = mi
larger scale
Smaller-scale shows more land area in less detail. Used to show global patterns.
Larger-scale shows less land area in more detail. Used on local maps.

17. Which of the following maps of Chicago is small-scale and which one is large-scale?

18. 2004 Presidential Election Red = Bush; Blue = Kerry
State results, by land area
County results, by land area
State results, by population
County results, by population
Source: M. Gastner, C. Shalizi, and M. Newman, University of Michigan

19. 2004 Presidential Election
Red = Solidly Bush (70% +)
Purples = divided … redder = Bush majority; bluer = Kerry majority
Blue = Solidly Kerry (70%+)
By land area
By population
Source: M. Gastner, C. Shalizi, and M. Newman, University of Michigan

20. Map Making Technology GIS (Geographic Information System)
Uses a computer system to store information about various locations
Produces maps with greater accuracy
Information can be stored in layers to analyze different features

21. Map Making Technology Remote Sensing
Remote sensing uses satellites to gather and display information about the earth

22. Map Making Technology GPS (Global Positioning System)
Determines the precise position of something on Earth
Information is received from satellites

23. (Phil Gersmehl, Research in Geographic Education, 2006)
Spatial Thinking
(Phil Gersmehl, Research in Geographic Education, 2006)

24. Pattern Analysis: Density vs. Dispersion
Which square mile has the higher density, (a) or (b)?

25. Various Pattern Arrangements
What phenomena could explain the patterns shown in A, B, and C?

26. What kinds of things are symbolized by lines on this map?
Connections
What kinds of things are symbolized by lines on this map?

27. Where are some patterns that illustrate this?
Combination of climate, agriculture, and industry explains population density patterns
Where are some patterns that illustrate this?

28. How does this map illustrate the aura or zone of influence for Denver?
Denver metro area
How does this map illustrate the aura or zone of influence for Denver?
How are hierarchies symbolized on this map?
For which kinds of services does Denver’s aura extend beyond this map?

29. Where could you define a region of “Elvis-lovers”?
Where are the exceptions?
Where are the outliers?