Human Geography Unit 1 Standards - Thinking Geographically

Disclaimer: This curriculum outline is sourced directly from the AP Human Geography Course Framework released by the College Board. This is a lightweight, web-friendly format for easy reference. Omninox does not take credit for this outline and is not affiliated with the College Board. AP is a reserved trademark of the College Board.

Table of Contents

Unit 1 - Thinking Geographically (you are here)
Unit 2 - Population and Migration
Unit 3 - Cultural Patterns
Unit 4 - Political Patterns
Unit 5 - Agriculture and Rural Land-Use
Unit 6 - Cities and Urban Land-Use
Unit 7 - Economic Development

TOPIC 1.1 - Introduction to Maps

IMP-1.A: Identify types of maps, the types of information presented in maps, and different kinds of spatial patterns and relationships portrayed in maps.

• IMP-1.A.1: Types of maps include reference maps and thematic maps.
• IMP-1.A.2: Types of spatial patterns represented on maps include absolute and relative distance and direction, clustering, dispersal, and elevation.
• IMP-1.A.3:  All maps are selective in information; map projections inevitably distort spatial relationships in shape, area, distance and direction.

TOPIC 1.2 - Geographic Data

IMP-1.B: Identify different methods of geographic data collection

• IMP-1.B.1: Data may be gathered in the field by organizations or by individuals.
• IMP-1.B.2: Geospatial technologes include geographic information systems (GIS), satellite navigation systems, remote sensing, and online mapping and visualization.
• IMP-1.B.3: Spatial information can come from written accounts in the form of field observations, media reports, travel narratives, policy documents, personal interviews, landscape analysis, and photographic interpretation.

TOPIC 1.3 - The Power of Geographic Data

IMP-1.C: Explain the geographical effects of decisions made using geographical information.

• IMP-1.C.1: Geospatial and geographical data, including census data and satellite imagery, are used at all scales for personal, business and organizational, and governmental decision-making purposes.

TOPIC 1.4 - Spatial Concepts

PSO-1.A: Define major geographic concepts that illustrate spatial relationships.

• PSO-1.A.1: Spatial concepts include absolute and relative location, space, place, flows, distance decay, time-space compression, and pattern.

TOPIC 1.5 - Human-Environmental Interaction

PSO-1.B: Explain how major geographic concepts illustrate spatial relationships.

• PSO-1.B.1: Concepts of nature and society include sustainability, natural resources, and land use.  
• PSO-1.B.2: 􏰚Theories regarding the interaction of the natural environment with human societies have evolved from environmental determinism to possibilism.

TOPIC 1.6 - Scales of Analysis

PSO-1.C: Define scales of analysis used by geographers.

• PSO-1.C.1:  Scales of analysis include global, regional, national, and local.

PSO-1.D: Explain what scales of analysis reveal.

• PSO-1.D.1: Patterns and processes at different scales reveal variations in, and different interpretations of, data.

TOPIC 1.7 - Regional Analysis

SPS-1.A: Describe different ways that geographers define regions.

• SPS-1.A.1: Regions are defined on the basis of one or more unifying characteristics or on patterns of activity.  
• SPS-1.A.2: Types of regions include formal, functional, and perceptual/vernacular.
• SPS-1.A.3: Regional boundaries are transitional and often contested and overlapping.
• SPS-1.A.4: Geographers apply regional analysis at local, national, and global scales.