GEOGRAPHY is the study of the world's environment and man’s interaction within the environment GEOGRAPHY has two "strands" or parts: PHYSICAL the study of the earths natural features, such as mountains, rivers, soil, vegetation, and weather AND HUMAN (cultural) the study of human cultures and man made features.

A map is a 2 dimensional graphic of the earth or a part of the earth A person who makes maps is called a cartographer Maps are important as a tool for geography because we can show so much information about the earth on one document There are parts to maps, types of maps and even map projections that are very important as a basis for all of geography

Cartographers use many sources of data collected for their maps GIS (Geographic Information Systems)- is the most accurate to date: is using computers to plot points and other information on maps Air Photography and Satellite Images- can help gather information that can be placed on maps. Cartographers can interpret what they see and plot it on a map. GPS (Global Positioning Satellite)- uses satellites around the world to plot the exact point of location from an electronic receiver

Key/Legend: Shows information as symbols Scale: Used for measuring distance Scale can be shown in ratio form (1:10) or by equation (1 inch = 10 miles) Directional Arrow: All maps must have AT LEAST an arrow showing relative direction. This is called orientation (orientation is any direction or location in terms of points on a compass i.e.. DC is north of Fredericksburg) Compass Rose: Shows Cardinal and Intermediary direction.

Political Maps-this is a map that shows political boundaries, borders, area of political entities (countries, states, territories, districts, counties, zones, provinces, etc.) These types of maps may show capitals / other cities. Physical Maps- this type of maps uses color to show elevation and other land/water features of the earth. This map may also show any other physical feature such as rivers, mountains, oceans, and valleys Thematic Maps- this type of map shows "themes" or subjects on a map-basically any information. Anything can be shown on a map using symbols, color, pictures, numbers, contour lines, etc. ALL THEMATIC MAPS MUST HAVE A KEY- this tells the reader what each symbol/picture/color/etc. represents on the map i.e. = Hospital

One type of thematic map is a TOPOGRAPHIC MAP. This map uses curvy lines to show the relief and elevation of the landscape. These curvy lines also have the feet/meters above sea level of the physical features. The name of the curvy lines is CONTOUR. The numbers increase so that means the elevation is increasing and this is above sea level. The closer the lines the steeper the slope. The more apart the lines the more gentle the slope. The highest number is the peak or summit of the feature. In this case a hill. If the numbers were negative this feature would be a depression or hole.

Any collection of maps, graphs, and charts is called an ATLAS. We use atlases as geographic resources for looking up all kinds of information from: Where places are located to: Population and economic information to: Topographic information about the surface of the earth

Use the INDEX to help locate any cities, states, and countries around the world. Use the KEY on the map to read the information. Use the SCALE on the map to find distances. Use the COMPASS ROSE to locate and pinpoint orientation or direction.

Map Perspective is to look at a map with a Different point of view. For instance how people from Africa would look at a map versus someone from Far East Asia….or someone from Australia versus someone from Europe. Everyone has a different point of view when it comes to maps…it’s not that they’re wrong, it’s just different.

Reading coordinates is very important in finding location in geography. Remember that you read the “x-axis” (latitude) first and then read the “y-axis” (longitude) second. (x,y) Latitude & Longitude

The Earth is divided by latitude and longitude lines. There are several important lines to know on the earths surface: #1. is the ARCTIC CIRCLE found at 66 ½ NORTH of the Equator #2. is the TROPIC OF CANCER found at 23 ½ NORTH of the Equator #3 is the EQUATOR which splits the earth into two hemispheres at 0 Latitude. #4 is the TROPIC OF CAPRICORN found at 23 ½ SOUTH of the Equator #5 is the ANTARCTIC CIRCLE found at 66 ½ SOUTH of the Equator #6 is the PRIME MERIDIAN which runs north and south at 0 LONGITUDE

Grid maps are another way to look at finding location. Instead of latitude and longtitude lines, use grid squares to find a specific place on a small area of the earth. Madrid Spain is found in grid square E-6

To find just the right map to use, ask yourself “What am I trying to show on my map?” You don’t want to use a map that has too much distortion (being misshapen on a map) Usually you ask the question for one of the following four map topics:  AREA  DIRECTION  DISTANCE  SHAPE

Mercator Map Projection: Shows accurate direction, but area & shapes are severely distorted at the poles. Mercator projections are based on cylinders. ***Sailors would use these for true direction Look how big I am on a Mercator Map

Robinson Map Projection: Shows accurate shape & size of continents, but water areas are expanded to fill in area. Robinson projections are based on ovals. *** These maps are good for data collections like in a classroom or lab. Don’t I look like the pull down map in the classroom?

Interrupted Map Projection: Shows accurate area & shape of continents, but oceans have open pie- shaped wedges that have been adjusted for distance. Why does my projection look so different from others? …(sniff)…I want to have a nice even shape too!!

Conical Map Projection: Used for mapping a large piece of Earth’s surface. It shows accurate distance, direction, & shape for the limited area mapped. Conical projections are based as cone-shaped.

Polar Map Projection: Used for mapping hemispheres instead of whole Earth. Shows accurate distance & direction but shape and size are distorted at the edges. Polar view is called Azimuth. ***Airline Pilots would use these maps to follow Great Circle Routes (the shortest path between two points along the curve of the Earth.

You MUST be familier with maps for many different reasons…. Driving (Road Maps or GPS) Locating Places (Political Maps) Traveling (Political or Physical Maps) Researching (Thematic Maps) Building (Topographic Maps) And basically knowing where you are in relation to your surroundings!!!!

You MUST be familiar with maps for many different reasons…. Driving (Road Maps or GPS) Locating Places (Political Maps) Traveling (Political or Physical Maps) Researching (Thematic Maps) Building (Topographic Maps) And basically knowing where you are in relation to your surroundings!!!!