Urban Data - AP Human Geography

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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