What are Spatial Concepts? (College Board AP® Human Geography) : Study Guide

Kristin Tassin

Written by: Kristin Tassin

Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett

Updated on

What are spatial concepts?

Spatial patterns

  • Spatial patterns refer to the general arrangement of people, objects, and phenomena being studied across the earth’s surface

  • Geographers study spatial patterns to discover trends in data across different locations

  • Geographers use specific terminology to discuss spatial patterns:

    • Clustered patterns occur when people, objects, or phenomena are located closely together

    • Dispersed patterns occur when people or objects are spread out across an area with significant space between them

    • Grid patterns present a geometric arrangement of people or objects, usually in straight lines at right angles

      • City blocks are an example of a grid pattern

    • Linear patterns arrange people or objects in a straight line

      • Homes built along a river or railroad track are examples of linear patterns

Four patterns: Clustered, Grid, Linear, and Dispersed. Clustered patterns are tightly packed, Grid is evenly spaced, Linear forms a line, Dispersed is scattered.
Spatial patterns

Examiner Tips and Tricks

You will often be asked to identify the spatial distribution of data on a map. You should be familiar with terms such as clustered, dispersed, and linear, and be able to apply them to map visualizations.

Site and situation

  • Site and situation are two different ways to describe the location of a place 

    • Site refers to the physical characteristics of a place, such as climate, soil type, or location near water

      • For example, the site of New York City would include the fact that it is a coastal city on the Hudson River

    • Situation refers to the circumstances of a place, including its accessibility and connection to other places

      • For example, the situation of New York City includes its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the eastern seaboard of the United States, making it a prime location for travel and trade

Place

  • Place refers to the unique characteristics of a given location

  • These characteristics may be physical, cultural, or human-made

    • “Sense of place” refers to the perception of a particular location, often based on personal or cultural beliefs

    • The phrase 'sense of place' was coined by Edward Relph

    • It is a place that is not unique or that has few or no special characteristics and is said to have placelessness

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Kristin Tassin

Author: Kristin Tassin

Expertise: Geography Content Creator

Kristin is a high school educator with 10+ years of experience teaching AP Human Geography, World History, and US Government. She holds a Ph.D. in History and has published articles in leading journals. Fluent in Arabic and Turkish, Kristin is also an exam grader and active volunteer in history education initiatives.

Bridgette Barrett

Reviewer: Bridgette Barrett

Expertise: Geography Lead

After graduating with a degree in Geography, Bridgette completed a PGCE over 25 years ago. She later gained an MA Learning, Technology and Education from the University of Nottingham focussing on online learning. At a time when the study of geography has never been more important, Bridgette is passionate about creating content which supports students in achieving their potential in geography and builds their confidence.

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