OBJECTIVE TWW compare and contrast map scale and geographic scale in order to evaluate why a geographer would analyze any phenomena at various scales

Free Response Question (6 pts.) Technological Innovations have greatly influenced the methods in which geography can be done today. Describe three technological advances that have dramatically changed the capabilities of the discipline of geography Provide an application for each type of technology

GIS – 2 points DESCRIPTION - Take the phenomena of various thematic maps and combine/layer that information into one “map” so to analyze the relationship amongst the data APPLICATION - Governments hire geographers to zone and plan the use of land. GIS would allow the geographers to easily see the relationship of various phenomena to make the best possible choice for the use of the land.

GPS – 2 points DESCRIPTION – a satellite based system, maintained by the US Air Force which gives precise location and time of any position on the globe. APPLICATION - For years, geographers have utilized longitude and latitude as a means of giving exact location. The GPS removes any of the geographical error that might have been involved in the traditional method of cartography.

Computed Generated Maps – 2 points DESCRIPTION – traditionally, maps were hand drawn utilizing scaling methods, which were subject to human error. This allows the geographer to input the information and the computer generates the map. APPLICATION - a computer generated map minimizes the human error involved in traditionally map making. As geographers help to solve border disputes between countries, a computer generated map would give the precision to prevent further disagreements.

Analysis #1 Compare the two maps below. What conclusions could you draw about the information presented? How could advances in technology increase the geographer’s understanding of the information?

SCALE  Two Levels of Importance Map Scale  Distance on a map Geographic Scale  Interpretation of Geographic Phenomena

Map Scale: Distance on a Map Measured/Displayed in Three Different Ways Fraction: 1/24,000 ft. Ratio: 1:24,000 ft. Sentence: 1 inch equals 24,000 ft.

Geographic Scale Spatial Perspective: observing variations in geographic phenomena across space Phenomena may be environmental, cultural, or economic

Scale: Geographic Interpretation Varying levels of scale changes the spatial perspective of the geography

Would this map be helpful to Barack Obama’s Campaign Manager?

How could you “re-scale” this map in order to make it more useful for Obama?

How would this “re-scaling” be extremely helpful to Obama?