MAP SKILLS Why is it important that geographers have a common set of map reading skills when examining geographic regions?

What is a map? Now what does that mean? A map is a representation, usually on a flat surface, of the features of an area of the earth or a portion of the heavens, showing them in their respective forms, sizes, and relationships according to some convention of representation. Now what does that mean?

What is a map? A map is a representation, usually on a flat surface, A map is a drawing or model usually on a flat surface, of a round Earth on a flat surface, of the features of an area of the earth that shows the landforms (mountains, rivers, etc.) or a portion of the heavens, or part of the sky in a particular region, showing them in their respective forms, sizes, and relationships drawn to scale according to some convention of representation. using an accepted form of drawing or model.

Map Components Title Grid Compass Key or Legend Scale

Latitude and Longitude The earth is divided into lots of lines called latitude and longitude.

Lines Longitude lines run north and south. Latitude lines run east and west. The lines measure distances in degrees. Latitude Longitude

Where is 0 degree? Equator The equator is 0 degrees latitude. It is an imaginary belt that runs along the halfway point between the North Pole and the South Pole. Equator

P R I M E D A N Where is 0 degree? The prime meridian is 0 degrees longitude. This imaginary line runs through the United Kingdom, France, Spain, western Africa, and Antarctica.

Hemispheres By using the equator and prime meridian, we can divide the world into four hemispheres, north, south, east, and west.

Compass A compass is a tool that helps the user know what direction one is headed. On a map, a compass or a compass rose helps the user locate these directions.

Source: http://aerocompass.larc.nasa.gov Compass Rose The needle on a compass is magnetized to point to the earth's north magnetic pole. Thus with a compass, a person can roughly tell which direction they are headed. Source: http://aerocompass.larc.nasa.gov

Directions The cardinal directions are north, south, east, and west. The intermediate directions are northeast, southeast, southwest and northwest. They help describe the location of places in relation to other places.

Scale Maps are made to scale; that is, there is a direct connection between a unit of measurement on the map and the actual distance. For example, each inch on the map represents one mile on Earth. So, a map of a town would show a mile-long strip of fast food joints and auto dealers in one inch.

Scale

There are three basic types of maps: PHYSICAL POLITICAL and THEMATIC.

Physical Maps Physical maps show the natural features of the Earth. Physical maps do not contain man made features. For example, a physical map would be a map of what you would see if you were looking down on Earth from space.

When you look at this map, what do you see? Notice you do not see country borders or city markings. These divisions are created by people. For example, there is no actual line dividing Texas from its bordering states. Although some astronauts (with the use of binoculars believe it or not) are able to see roads, large ocean tankers, and even the Great Pyramids from space, at very high altitudes, none of these are visible and all you are left with are natural land formations.

Political Maps Unlike physical maps, political maps show how humans have impacted the landscape. For example, city names, roads, country borders, etc. are all part of political maps. Political maps change frequently (physical maps change very, very slowly through geologic processes) and must be redrawn often. A political map of the world that is 50 years old is no longer accurate. Wars and ethnic conflict are two major causes political maps change.

Political Maps

Thematic Maps Thematic maps can represent a variety of information including things like climate, precipitation, vegetation, elevation, population, life expectancy, etc. Thematic maps are generally used when you are looking at a single piece of information.

Map Legends Religions Legend The legend is the key to unlocking the secrets of a map. Objects or colors in the legend represent something on the map. Religions Legend

Can you understand this legend?

Age Expectancy Legend

Why There? Why is it important that geographers have a common set of map reading skills when examining geographic regions?