The Geographer’s World Chapter 2, Section 2

Maps vs. Globes Maps Globes Represent Earth and its features. Easy to transport. Not as accurate as a globe because they are only two dimensional. Represent Earth and its features Difficult to transport. Accurate model of the world because they are three dimensional and show actual shape.

Maps and Globes People have been drawing maps for thousands of years! Today, we use technology, such as remote sensing and Global Positioning Systems (GPSs), to represent Earth. Cartographers are mapmakers who create maps that give detailed and accurate information about the world.

Maps and Globes

Three Kinds of Maps General Reference Maps—Show natural and manmade features and are used to locate a place. Thematic Maps—Focus on one specific idea or theme. Nautical Maps—Used by pilots and sailors to find their way through water and land.

Map Projections Different ways of showing Earth’s curved surface on a flat map. Earth is distorted so some places look bigger or smaller than they are in relation to other places. For over 400 years, the Mercator projection was most common. Now the Robinson projection is used because it gives a more accurate picture of the world.

Charts vs. Graphs (Example)

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