AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY
UNIT 1 PRACTICE TEST
Thinking Geographically
25 questions — modeled on official AP question styles and stimulus formats.
Give yourself 30 minutes. Answers and explanations begin on a separate page after the questions.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Which of the following best distinguishes a reference map from a thematic map?
A) Reference maps show the spatial distribution of a data set; thematic maps show absolute locations only
B) Reference maps show general locational information (e.g., roads, borders, cities); thematic maps display the
spatial pattern of a specific data theme
C) Reference maps can only be digital; thematic maps can only be printed
D) Reference maps are always choropleth maps; thematic maps are always dot density maps
E) There is no meaningful difference between the two map types
2. A map projection that preserves accurate compass directions and shapes but significantly distorts the size of
landmasses near the poles is the:
A) Robinson projection
B) Mercator projection
C) Goode's homolosine projection
D) Azimuthal equidistant projection
E) Peters projection
3. A geographer wants to compare population density across every county in a state using a single map, with each
county shaded a different color intensity based on its population per square mile. Which type of thematic map is most
appropriate?
A) Dot density map
B) Choropleth map
C) Isoline map
D) Graduated symbol map
E) Cartogram
4. A map uses circles of different sizes placed over each city to represent that city's total population. This is an
example of a:
A) Graduated symbol map
B) Choropleth map
C) Isoline map
D) Dot density map
E) Mental map
, 5. A weather map showing lines that connect points of equal temperature (isotherms) is an example of which type of
map?
A) Choropleth map
B) Isoline map
C) Dot density map
D) Cartogram
E) Reference map
6. Geographers collect spatial data using fieldwork, geospatial technologies, and secondary written/statistical sources.
Which of the following is the best example of a geospatial technology?
A) A census bureau report on household income
B) A researcher interviewing farmers about crop choices
C) A satellite-based Global Positioning System (GPS) used to track shipping routes
D) A newspaper article describing a local zoning dispute
E) A historical atlas of 19th-century trade routes
7. Which of the following best describes the primary function of a Geographic Information System (GIS)?
A) It uses satellites to pinpoint exact locations on Earth's surface
B) It captures images of Earth's surface from satellites or aircraft without direct contact
C) It layers and analyzes multiple sets of spatial data to reveal patterns and relationships
D) It exclusively collects data through in-person fieldwork
E) It converts thematic maps into reference maps automatically
8. Remote sensing is best defined as:
A) Interviewing local residents about their community
B) Gathering information about Earth's surface from a distance, typically via satellite or aircraft imagery
C) Using GPS coordinates to navigate a vehicle
D) Layering multiple spatial data sets in a single digital map
E) Collecting census data through household surveys
9. A city's location described as "40.7°N, 74.0°W" is an example of:
A) Relative location
B) Absolute location
C) Situation
D) Site
E) Distance decay
10. Describing a town as "20 miles north of the state capital, along the main highway" is an example of:
A) Absolute location
B) Relative location
C) Formal region
D) Functional region
E) Absolute distance
11. The physical characteristics of a place's immediate location, such as its terrain, climate, and access to water,
describe its:
A) Situation
B) Site
UNIT 1 PRACTICE TEST
Thinking Geographically
25 questions — modeled on official AP question styles and stimulus formats.
Give yourself 30 minutes. Answers and explanations begin on a separate page after the questions.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Which of the following best distinguishes a reference map from a thematic map?
A) Reference maps show the spatial distribution of a data set; thematic maps show absolute locations only
B) Reference maps show general locational information (e.g., roads, borders, cities); thematic maps display the
spatial pattern of a specific data theme
C) Reference maps can only be digital; thematic maps can only be printed
D) Reference maps are always choropleth maps; thematic maps are always dot density maps
E) There is no meaningful difference between the two map types
2. A map projection that preserves accurate compass directions and shapes but significantly distorts the size of
landmasses near the poles is the:
A) Robinson projection
B) Mercator projection
C) Goode's homolosine projection
D) Azimuthal equidistant projection
E) Peters projection
3. A geographer wants to compare population density across every county in a state using a single map, with each
county shaded a different color intensity based on its population per square mile. Which type of thematic map is most
appropriate?
A) Dot density map
B) Choropleth map
C) Isoline map
D) Graduated symbol map
E) Cartogram
4. A map uses circles of different sizes placed over each city to represent that city's total population. This is an
example of a:
A) Graduated symbol map
B) Choropleth map
C) Isoline map
D) Dot density map
E) Mental map
, 5. A weather map showing lines that connect points of equal temperature (isotherms) is an example of which type of
map?
A) Choropleth map
B) Isoline map
C) Dot density map
D) Cartogram
E) Reference map
6. Geographers collect spatial data using fieldwork, geospatial technologies, and secondary written/statistical sources.
Which of the following is the best example of a geospatial technology?
A) A census bureau report on household income
B) A researcher interviewing farmers about crop choices
C) A satellite-based Global Positioning System (GPS) used to track shipping routes
D) A newspaper article describing a local zoning dispute
E) A historical atlas of 19th-century trade routes
7. Which of the following best describes the primary function of a Geographic Information System (GIS)?
A) It uses satellites to pinpoint exact locations on Earth's surface
B) It captures images of Earth's surface from satellites or aircraft without direct contact
C) It layers and analyzes multiple sets of spatial data to reveal patterns and relationships
D) It exclusively collects data through in-person fieldwork
E) It converts thematic maps into reference maps automatically
8. Remote sensing is best defined as:
A) Interviewing local residents about their community
B) Gathering information about Earth's surface from a distance, typically via satellite or aircraft imagery
C) Using GPS coordinates to navigate a vehicle
D) Layering multiple spatial data sets in a single digital map
E) Collecting census data through household surveys
9. A city's location described as "40.7°N, 74.0°W" is an example of:
A) Relative location
B) Absolute location
C) Situation
D) Site
E) Distance decay
10. Describing a town as "20 miles north of the state capital, along the main highway" is an example of:
A) Absolute location
B) Relative location
C) Formal region
D) Functional region
E) Absolute distance
11. The physical characteristics of a place's immediate location, such as its terrain, climate, and access to water,
describe its:
A) Situation
B) Site
