1.2 Maps and globes are models of earth

Maps and globes are models of Earth Maps: flat model of earth’s surface. Globes have a sphere shape showing relative sizes and shapes of earth’s land features and waters.

Land features on a map Relief maps show high and low features. Shows 3 main land features: mountains, plains, and plateaus. Mapmaker uses satellites and photo images to build a 3D view of Earth’s surface. How would a traveler benefit from using a relief map vs a globe?

Mountains Mountain range :group of mountains connected in a long chain forming a mountain belt.

Plateaus and Plains Plateaus have fairly leveled surfaces but stand above sea level, usually found near large mountain ranges. Plains are fairly flat features.

Scale and Symbols on Maps Map scale relates distances on a map to actual distances on Earth’s surface. Scale can be expressed as a ratio, a bar, or equivalent units of distance. What are the 3 types of features shown on a relief map?

Scale and Symbols on Maps 1:25,000 : means that 1 inch on the map represents 25,000 miles.

Scale and Symbols on Maps Map legend or a map key: explain the symbols used on a map. Compass rose: show directions North, South, East, West.

Latitude and Longitude show locations on Earth. Are used to locate any point on Earth. They form an imaginary grid over the Earth’s surface.

Latitude Equator: imaginary line dividing the Earth into northern and southern hemispheres. Latitude: distance in degrees north or south of the equator. A hemisphere is half of a sphere.

Longitude Prime Meridian: imaginary line stretching from North Pole to South Pole. Longitude: the distance in degree east or west of the prime meridian.

Global Positioning System The Global Positioning System (GPS):network of satellites used to find places on the Earth. 24 satellites circle the Earth and send signals. How can GPS help someone find their exact location.

Map projections distort the view of Earth’s surface. A projection: represents Earth’s curved surface on a flat map. 3 main kinds of projections: 1.Cylindrical Projection 2.Conic Projection 3.Planar Projection What does this mean? What does distort mean? Give me a few examples of things that can be distorted. Why do you think mapmakers use projections when they know they distort Earth?

1. Cylindrical Projection Also called Mercator projection which is based on the shape of the cylinder. Useful for areas close to the equator. Problem with it: areas far away from the equator appear larger than they really are. Look at Greenland, it looks larger than South America, when in all reality, South America is 8 times larger than Greenland. Page 21

2. Conic Projection Are based on the shape of a cone. Are more true to some land masses because of the curve in the longitude and latitude lines. Are more useful when mapping landmasses in middle latitudes like United States. What does it mean by middle latitude?

3. Planar Projections Useful for plotting ocean or air voyages. Also showing the North and South polar regions. Landmasses away from the center point are distorted. The Mercator, conic, and planar are all attempts showing Earth on a flat surface.

Look at Greenland, it looks larger than South America, when in all reality, South America is 8 times larger than Greenland. Page 21