Introduction to AP Human Geography Mr Stepek Introduction

Introduction to AP Human Geography Mr. Stepek

Introduction to AP Human Geography “Tools” & “Projections” and “Thematic Maps”

Geographic Technology Tools • Remote sensing • collect data with tools while physically distant from the area. • Why? • Difficult or dangerous • GPS (Global Positioning System) • uses satellites to pinpoint location, direction, velocity thru triangulation

Geographic Technology Tools (continued) • GIS (geographic info. system) • permits storage/analysis of data in layers • Ghost Map (Snow/Cholera) • https: //www. ted. com/talks/steven_j ohnson_how_the_ghost_map_helpe d_end_a_killer_disease? language=e n

“Mapping a 3 -dimensional world on a 2 dimensional surface” = Map Projections Method Goal • “Equal area” – relative sizes of landmasses are maintained, but shape is often grossly distorted. • “Conformal” – shapes of landmasses and local direction maintained while sacrificing accurate size.

Azimuthal or Planar Projections

Mercator Projection (1569)

Classic size distortion example: South America vs. Greenland

Gall-Peters Projection

Goode’s homolosine “Interrupted” projection

Robinson Projection

Goode’s Homosoline “Interrupted” All projections have some degree of distortion: size, shape, distance, or direction

Introduction to AP Human Geography “Thematic Maps”

Thematic maps tell a story! You should understand the advantages of using the different types and why Choropleth map Dot density map

Thematic Maps: dot density maps • dots indicate the # of occurrences in a given area and exact location of events • location detail may be important in analysis • Best for raw data, • NOT ratios or generalized data (averages or rates, etc. ) • Distribution on a dot density map can be described using the three properties of a distribution • This will be covered shortly

Thematic Maps: choropleth • Spatial unit is assigned color • best when shades of same color are used • darker = greater occurrence of the phenomenon being analyzed • strength • shows dominance of a trait • easily to compare spatial units • weakness • “level of aggregation” or “generalization” must be considered. • What sized spatial unit is the data displayed across? • See map above. • is it an appropriate sized unit to analyze this concept? • could give false conclusion

Thematic Maps: isoline/isopleth • Lines connect similar values • used for elevation, create contour map • ex: barometric pressure on weather maps • If data bands are assigned colors = isopleth • allows range of values within limits • excellent for showing diffusion (spread) of a phenomenon like a disease.

Thematic Types of Maps: flowline maps Shows movement of people, information, and goods between places

Types of Maps: Topographic Reflects the Earth’s physical features (terrain, elevation)

Graphs in the form of “maps”: Cartograms • Distorts size of a map units to allow comparison of data. • more of a “graph” concept than a map = graph in map form

2008 Election Results

Map legend/key • To analyze special attention MUST paid to the map legend or key, use it to identify • scale • symbols • color coding • This will help you to think about reasons for the pattern shown on the map.

Graduated symbol map Map legend/key • To analyze special attention MUST paid to the map legend or key • Identifies scale • Identifies symbols • Identifies color coding