Scales of Analysis, Patterns & Processes (College Board AP® Human Geography)
Study Guide
Written by: Kristin Tassin
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
Scales of Analysis Definition
Scales of Analysis refer to the level at which data is analyzed and displayed
Different scales reveal different information and patterns
Trends may change depending on the scale
Scales of analysis include the global, world regional, continental, national, national regional, and local scales
There are three scales of analysis: cartographic scale, geographic scale, and scale of data
Cartographic scale
Cartographic scale is the ratio of the size of the area on a map to its actual size in the real world
A large-scale map shows a small area in greater detail
An example of a large-scale map is a map of a downtown area
A small-scale map shows a larger area in less detail
An example of a small-scale map would be a map of South America
Geographic scale
Geographic scale refers to the amount of territory the map represents
The geographic scale could be global, regional, national, or local
Scale of data
Scale of data, sometimes also referred to simply as scale of analysis, refers to the level of data being measured
The scale of data can be local, national/country, regional/continental, or global
Scales of data can be represented in both map and table form
Examiner Tips and Tricks
The AP Exam will often ask you to consider how information can be applied or interpreted differently at different scales.
A different comparison of data on one scale to a different set of scales can result in a flawed analysis. For example, if the median household income in the United States is $50,000, it does not necessarily follow that the median household income in every state or county is $50,000.
Worked Example
In order to determine the location of a new coffee house, what scale map would you consult?
Answer
A large-scale map (a map showing a smaller location in more detail).
If this were a multiple-choice question, you may also be asked to choose the correct ratio. For a large-scale map in this example, you would want a scale with a ratio of 1:10,000 or 1:20,000 and not a ratio of 1:250,000.
Patterns and Processes at Different Scales
Different patterns and processes are visible depending on the map scale and scale of analysis
In the image below, the map scale is global but the scale of analysis is national because the data is specific to each country
Image: Total Fertility Rate by Country
In the map below, both map scale and scale of analysis are global
Image: Global temperature map
Worked Example
Population density can be measured in people per square kilometer. The images below show the population density in Europe.
Map A
Image: Population density in Europe by country (people per square kilometer)
Map B
Image: Population density in Europe by region
Identify the scales of analysis in the two maps shown.
Map A shows a national scale of analysis. Map B shows a local or subnational scale of analysis.
Explain why all of Spain is shaded in a single color in Map A while it is shaded in multiple colors in Map B.
The national scale map does not show the level of variation that the local scale map does.
However, the average of the local data for Spain corresponds to the national data in Map A.
Worked Example
A free-response question (FRQ) may ask you to describe and analyze data at several scales of analysis. Answer the questions using the images below:
Map A
Image: Adult literacy rate by US state
Map B
Image: Adult literacy rate by country
Identify the geographic scales of maps A and B.
The geographic scale of map A is national, and the geographic scale of map B is global.
Identify the scales of analysis represented in maps A and B.
The scale of analysis of map A is state/sub-national.
The scale of analysis of map B is national.
Explain a possible limitation of map B for determining literacy policy in the United States.
The map does not provide data at a state or local level. Therefore, educational policy could not be targeted to a specific, local population.
The scale of analysis in map B does not allow the viewer to see local variations in literacy levels.
Examiner Tips and Tricks
If data is shown on a map, describing the spatial pattern accurately and with precision is critical for analysis. If the data is presented in a graph or chart, describing the variables and trends on the graph or chart is very important for an accurate interpretation.
The most difficult part of this skill will be to recognize the limitations of data. This will require an understanding of trustworthy sources of information, incomplete or inaccurate data, and possible mistakes in gathering the data.
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