Urban Data - AP Human Geography

1. Identify one major factor contributing to urban sprawl.

   Increased automobile ownership is a major factor. Cars enable people to live farther from city centers, expanding urban areas.

2. What is the "urban-rural fringe"?

   The urban-rural fringe is the transition zone between urban and rural areas. Features mixed rural and urban characteristics and land uses.

3. What concept involves the design of urban spaces for people rather than cars?

   New Urbanism focuses on designing urban spaces for people. Promotes walkability, transit use, and community interaction over car dependency.

4. Identify a common indicator of urban quality of life.

   Access to public transportation is a common indicator. Transit access affects mobility, employment opportunities, and social equity.

5. What does the term "urban heat island" refer to?

   Urban heat island is an urban area significantly warmer than its surroundings. Caused by concrete, reduced vegetation, and energy consumption.

6. Define "urban renewal."

   Urban renewal is the redevelopment of areas within a city. Often involves demolishing old structures to build modern developments.

7. What is "mixed-use development"?

   Mixed-use development combines residential, commercial, and cultural uses in one space. Reduces car dependency and creates more vibrant neighborhoods.

8. Define "edge city."

   An edge city is a concentration of business, shopping, and entertainment outside a traditional downtown. Represents suburban economic centers competing with traditional downtowns.

9. Identify one impact of urbanization on the environment.

   Increased pollution is one impact of urbanization. Air quality, water systems, and biodiversity face urban pressures.

10. Identify a challenge faced by rapidly growing cities.

    Providing adequate infrastructure is a major challenge. Housing, transportation, and services struggle to keep pace with growth.

11. What is the purpose of zoning in urban planning?

    Zoning separates land uses to organize urban development. Prevents incompatible land uses from conflicting with each other.

12. What is the urbanization rate?

    Urbanization rate is the speed at which urbanization increases. Measures how quickly rural populations move to urban areas.

13. What is a "metropolitan statistical area" (MSA)?

    An MSA is a region with a large population nucleus and adjacent communities with economic ties. Used for federal planning and statistical analysis purposes.

14. Define gentrification.

    Gentrification is the transformation of a neighborhood by wealthier residents. Often displaces lower-income residents as property values rise.

15. Identify one example of a polycentric urban region.

    The San Francisco Bay Area is a polycentric urban region. Multiple urban centers rather than one dominant downtown core.

16. What is "urban morphology"?

    Urban morphology is the study of the layout, structure, and design of urban spaces. Examines how physical form reflects social and economic processes.

17. What is a suburb?

    A suburb is a residential area on the outskirts of a city. Developed after WWII as part of urban decentralization trends.

18. Define "land use planning."

    Land use planning is the process of managing land resources to meet urban development objectives. Balances economic, social, and environmental development goals.

19. What is "urban sustainability"?

    Urban sustainability aims to create cities that meet current needs without compromising future generations. Applies sustainable development principles to urban environments.

20. What is a "megaregion"?

    A megaregion is a network of closely linked metropolitan areas. Examples include BosWash corridor and California's coastal region.

21. Identify one characteristic of a megacity.

    A megacity has a population of over 10 million people. This threshold distinguishes megacities from other large urban areas.

22. Identify the main focus of smart growth urban planning.

    Smart growth focuses on sustainable development and reducing sprawl. Emphasizes compact, walkable communities with mixed land uses.

23. What does "infrastructure" refer to in urban geography?

    Infrastructure refers to the fundamental facilities and systems serving a city. Includes transportation, utilities, and communication networks.

24. What is a "greenbelt"?

    A greenbelt is an area of open land around a city where development is restricted. Protects natural areas and prevents unlimited urban expansion.

25. What is the rank-size rule?

    The rank-size rule states the nth city is 1/n the size of the largest city. Mathematical relationship describing ideal urban size distribution.

26. Define "squatter settlement."

    A squatter settlement is an area where people illegally occupy land and build informal housing. Common in developing countries due to rapid urbanization and poverty.

27. What is the central business district (CBD)?

    CBD is the commercial and business center of a city. Contains the highest concentration of offices, retail, and services.

28. Which term describes the decline of city centers?

    Urban decay describes the decline of city centers. Results from economic decline, population loss, and disinvestment.

29. What is urbanization?

    Urbanization is the process of population shift from rural to urban areas. This demographic transition drives global urban growth patterns.

30. State the formula for calculating population density.

    Population density = $\frac{\text{population}}{\text{land area}}$. Measures people per unit area, typically expressed as persons per square kilometer.

31. Define "urban primacy."

    Urban primacy is when a single city dominates the urban system in a country. Creates an unbalanced urban system with one overwhelmingly large city.

32. What is "urban resilience"?

    Urban resilience is the ability of an urban area to withstand and recover from challenges. Encompasses economic, social, and environmental adaptation capacities.

33. What is "urban decentralization"?

    Urban decentralization is the spread of people and jobs from the city center to the suburbs. Driven by transportation improvements and housing preferences.

34. Which model explains urban land use: concentric zone model or grid model?

    Concentric zone model explains urban land use. Burgess's model shows zones radiating outward from the CBD.

35. Identify a common problem associated with urban sprawl.

    Traffic congestion is a common problem. Low-density development creates longer commutes and transportation issues.

36. Define "urban planning."

    Urban planning is the process of designing and regulating land use in an urban environment. Coordinates development to create functional, livable urban spaces.

37. Identify one characteristic of a world city.

    A world city is a global center for finance and trade. Global cities influence worldwide economic and cultural flows.

38. What is "urban agglomeration"?

    Urban agglomeration is an extended city area comprising the built-up area and any suburbs linked by continuous urban area. Includes the main city plus surrounding suburban and satellite communities.

39. What is an urban hierarchy?

    Urban hierarchy is a ranking of cities based on their size and economic functions. Reflects central place theory and economic specialization patterns.

40. What is a primate city?

    A primate city is the largest city in a country, disproportionately larger than others. Demonstrates extreme urban primacy within a country's settlement system.

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