AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY
PREVIEW AND STUDY GUIDE: UNIT 1 THINKING GEOGRAPHICALLY
These are the major topics we will study in this unit. As we make our way through the unit, use
your notes, your memory, and outside resources to answer the questions.
1. Maps and Map Projections (Lesson 1.1)
a. Identify the term for the science of mapmaking
b. Compare and contrast historical methods of cartography with modern methods
c. Describe the primary purpose of maps throughout most of human history
d. Describe the primary purpose of maps today
e. Describe multiple ways maps deceive, even as they help us understand the world
f. Define map projection
g. List and describe the four major ways map projections distort reality
h. Describe the following map projections, including the pros and cons of each
i. Mercator
ii. Gall Peters
iii. Robinson
iv. Fuller/Dymaxion
2. Map Scales, Scales of Analysis, and Types of Maps (Lesson 1.1)
a. Define “map scale”
b. Explain the importance of the map scale
c. Describe the three types of map scales
d. Explain the difference between large and small scale maps
e. Identify and describe situations in which a large scale map is better
f. Identify and describe situations in which a small scale map is better
g. Explain the difference between a map scale and the scale of analysis
h. List the major scales of analysis
i. Describe the following types of maps and the purposes for which each is best
i. Cognitive/mental
ii. Cognitive Map
iii. Physical Map
iv. Thematic Maps
v. Isoline Maps
vi. Topographic Maps
vii. Dot Distribution Map
viii. Choropleth Map
ix. Graduated Symbol Map
x. Cartograms
3. Geographic Data (Lessons 1.2 and 1.3)
a. Describe how changes in acquiring data have impacted the uses of maps
b. GPS
i. What is it?
ii. How has it impacted maps and geography?
c. GIS
PREVIEW AND STUDY GUIDE: UNIT 1 THINKING GEOGRAPHICALLY
These are the major topics we will study in this unit. As we make our way through the unit, use
your notes, your memory, and outside resources to answer the questions.
1. Maps and Map Projections (Lesson 1.1)
a. Identify the term for the science of mapmaking
b. Compare and contrast historical methods of cartography with modern methods
c. Describe the primary purpose of maps throughout most of human history
d. Describe the primary purpose of maps today
e. Describe multiple ways maps deceive, even as they help us understand the world
f. Define map projection
g. List and describe the four major ways map projections distort reality
h. Describe the following map projections, including the pros and cons of each
i. Mercator
ii. Gall Peters
iii. Robinson
iv. Fuller/Dymaxion
2. Map Scales, Scales of Analysis, and Types of Maps (Lesson 1.1)
a. Define “map scale”
b. Explain the importance of the map scale
c. Describe the three types of map scales
d. Explain the difference between large and small scale maps
e. Identify and describe situations in which a large scale map is better
f. Identify and describe situations in which a small scale map is better
g. Explain the difference between a map scale and the scale of analysis
h. List the major scales of analysis
i. Describe the following types of maps and the purposes for which each is best
i. Cognitive/mental
ii. Cognitive Map
iii. Physical Map
iv. Thematic Maps
v. Isoline Maps
vi. Topographic Maps
vii. Dot Distribution Map
viii. Choropleth Map
ix. Graduated Symbol Map
x. Cartograms
3. Geographic Data (Lessons 1.2 and 1.3)
a. Describe how changes in acquiring data have impacted the uses of maps
b. GPS
i. What is it?
ii. How has it impacted maps and geography?
c. GIS
