Infrastructure
Definition
Infrastructure refers to the basic physical and organizational structures needed for a society to function, such as roads, bridges, power lines, water supply systems, schools, hospitals etc.
Analogy
Think of infrastructure like the skeleton of a body. Just as our bones provide structure and support for our bodies to function properly, infrastructure provides the necessary framework that allows a society or community to operate smoothly.
Related terms
Public Goods: These are commodities or services provided by the government for all members of society. They include things like parks, public schools and highways.
Urban Planning: This is the process of designing and managing cities. It involves creating plans for land use in urban areas including placement of infrastructure.
Development: In terms of geography this refers to the level of economic growth and technological sophistication within a country or region.
"Infrastructure" appears in:
Subjects (5)
Study guides (9)
AP Human Geography - 1.3 The Power and Uses of Geographic Data
AP Human Geography - 2.2 Consequences of Population Distribution
AP Human Geography - 2.5 The Demographic Transition Model
AP Human Geography - 5.7 Spatial Organization of Agriculture
AP Human Geography - 5.9 The Global System of Agriculture
AP Human Geography - 5.12 Women in Agriculture
AP Human Geography - 6.7 Infrastructure in Urban Development
AP Human Geography - 6.9 Urban Data
AP Human Geography - 6.11 Challenges of Urban Sustainability
Practice Questions (13)
Which scale of analysis would be most appropriate to examine the effects of urbanization on a specific city's infrastructure?
How does high population density impact infrastructure in cities such as New York?
Which type of maps would be most useful when planning highways and infrastructure?
What policy would best mitigate the negative effects of rapid urbanization on infrastructure?
How can cities adapt their infrastructure to accommodate increasing numbers of older residents?
What role does infrastructure play in determining city size?
What is the primary purpose of infrastructure in urban development?
What is the main purpose of a city's infrastructure in terms of urban development?
Which type of infrastructure is directly related to improving health care in an urban environment?
Which type of infrastructure often gets prioritized during the early stages of urban development?
What impact can the lack of infrastructure have on a developing urban area?
What factor is most likely to positively influence the development of infrastructure in a city?
How does the introduction of high-speed rail in China and France reflect infrastructure's role in economic growth?
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