What is the von Thünen model on the AP Human Geography exam?

On the AP® Human Geography Exam, you could be asked to use the von Thünen model to explain rural land use and the importance of transportation costs associated with the distance from the city market. You most likely be asked to use the model to explain the contemporary distribution of the agricultural regions, such as dairy and grain farming.

What is the von Thünen model?

In the early eighteenth century, Johann Heinrich von Thünen designed one of the very first geographical models. The von Thünen model was key to solving a big problem in his day—how to balance the cost of land with the best crop to produce. This study guide will help you understand this model and how it applies to the AP® Human Geography Exam.

Who created the von Thunen model of agricultural land use?

A Model of Agricultural Land Use The Von Thunen model of agricultural land use (also called location theory) was created by the German farmer, landowner, and amateur economist Johann Heinrich Von Thunen (1783–1850). He presented it in 1826 in a book called "The Isolated State," but it wasn't translated into English until 1966.