AP Human Geography : Using Maps

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Human Geography

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Example Questions

Example Question #11 : Using Maps

Which of these map projections most heavily emphasizes accurate representation of the size of landmasses?

Possible Answers:

Robinson

Mercator

Ptolemy

UNESCO

Fuller

Correct answer:

Fuller

Explanation:

The Fuller Projection emphasizes accurate representation of the relative size of Earth’s landmasses, but in so doing it distorts distance and compass direction heavily. Because of the difficulty of projecting a three-dimensional object (the Earth) onto a two-dimensional surface (a map) all maps must sacrifice one level of accuracy to emphasize another level.

Example Question #12 : Using Maps

The Peters Projection primarily focused on emphasizing the size of which of these continents relative to the others?

Possible Answers:

Europe

Antarctica

North America

Asia

Africa

Correct answer:

Africa

Explanation:

The Peters Projection map emerged from the belief by some geographers that the Mercator Projection distorts the relative size of each continent and therefore makes some continents (Europe, North America, Asia, Antarctica) look larger than they are and makes other continents (Africa, South America) look smaller than they are. Accordingly this apparently makes people think these shrunk continents are less significant that they actually are. The Peters Projection aims to fix this mindset, particularly with regard to Africa. As it is partially based on political considerations the Peters Projection is naturally controversial.

Example Question #13 : Using Maps

A map in which the land area of countries is distorted to reflect their relative Gross Domestic Product is an example of a(n) __________.

Possible Answers:

cartogram

idiogram

isoline

parallel

meridian

Correct answer:

cartogram

Explanation:

A “cartogram” is the name given to a type of map in which land size is adjusted or distorted to reflect the relative size of some other aspect of a country. So in a cartogram in which the land size of countries are adjusted to reflect Gross Domestic Product the United States would be the largest; in a cartogram in which the land size of countries are adjusted to reflect population size China would be the largest.

Example Question #481 : Ap Human Geography

In which country is “Prime Meridian” found?

Possible Answers:

Russia

China

England

Germany

The United States of America

Correct answer:

England

Explanation:

“Prime Meridian” is where lines of longitude begin. It also informs time zones, so whenever you see that the East Coast of America is , this means it is  behind what is known as “Greenwich Mean Time.” Prime Meridian runs through Greenwich, in England. You might notice how when you look at a flat world map it looks like England is in the middle of the world, this is simply because at the time geography as a science really began to take off England and France were in control of the world and were therefore able to place themselves in the middle. England is, of course, not actually the center of the world.

Example Question #14 : Using Maps

A cadastral map is used to depict __________.

Possible Answers:

the value of land and property

population migrations

racial segregation

the diffusion of culture

economic segregation

Correct answer:

the value of land and property

Explanation:

A “cadastral map,” also known as a “cadastre,” is used to depict the value of land and property in a region. They are often used for the purpose of establishing land and property taxes.

Example Question #15 : Using Maps

Choropleth maps employ __________ to provide information.

Possible Answers:

graphs

dots

ridges

shading

isolines

Correct answer:

shading

Explanation:

“Choropleth” maps are maps that provide information using different shades and colors. So a map depicting population density might have regions colored red to demonstrate high density, orange to demonstrate medium density, and yellow to demonstrate low density.

Example Question #16 : Using Maps

Which of these map projections is centered on either the North or South Pole?

Possible Answers:

Azimuthal

Peters

Marsh

Mercator

Fuller

Correct answer:

Azimuthal

Explanation:

The “Azimuthal” map projection depicts the Earth as centered around either the North or South Pole -most commonly an “Azimuthal” projection will be centered on the North Pole. The projection is used by the United Nations because it can categorically be described as unbiased towards any one nation or region.

Example Question #12 : Using Maps

Which field is focused on making maps?

Possible Answers:

Geology

Cartography

Anthropology

Biopsychology

Archaeology

Correct answer:

Cartography

Explanation:

Cartography incorporates science, aesthetics, and technique to communicate spatial information effectively (usually through maps). Cartography has a long, rich history that dates back to around 700 B.C.

Example Question #493 : Ap Human Geography

What is a map that displays some sort of information dense unified scheme?

Possible Answers:

Oceanic map

Thematic map

Platonic projection map

Topographic map

Political map

Correct answer:

Thematic map

Explanation:

A thematic map displays a unified information scheme. This map can give the viewer varying types of information such as religious affiliation or population age.

Example Question #493 : Ap Human Geography

Which of these is the term for a basic map that has boundaries, roads, cities, and, in some cases major physical features?

Possible Answers:

Formal map

Reference map

Informal map

Functional map

Wall map

Correct answer:

Reference map

Explanation:

The term for a basic map is a reference map. This is the most common type of map and the type most people are familiar with. 

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