MAPS AND CARTOGRAPHY What is a map? What is Cartography? MAP Components Projections Scale Grid Systems Cartographic Elements

Maps and Cartography MAPS: A map is a simplified depiction of a space, a navigational aid which highlights relations between objects within that space. Most usually a map is a two-dimensional, geometrically accurate representation of a three-dimensional space. CARTOGRAPHY: The science and art of map-making is cartography.

Maps and Cartography A map is a graphic representation or scale model of spatial concepts. It is a means for conveying geographic information. Maps are a universal medium for communication, easily understood and appreciated by most people, regardless of language or culture. Maps are human representations of the world The fool's cap world map, about 1590. Ptolemaic projection on the face of a clown. Maker, date and place of publication are unknown. Maps are human representations of the world, as seen through the eyes of a fool in this example. http://academic.emporia.edu/aberjame/map/h_map/h_map.htm

Maps and Cartography 1st Map: 150 AD – Ptolemy Medieval times – maps dominated by religious views. Jerusalem at the center. The first whole world maps began to appear in the early 16th century, following voyages by Columbus and others to the New World. Mercator -1569. Created a navigational map. All straight lines were true bearings MORE HISTORY @ http://academic.emporia.edu/aberjame/map/h_map/h_map.htm

Purpose of a Map Maps have THREE principle uses: To locate PLACES on the surface of the earth. To show PATTERNS OF DISTRIBUTION of natural and man-made phenomenon. To COMPARE and CONTRAST map information and discover relationships between different phenomena.

Map Types We need different types of maps to portray different information The three most common types are: 1. General Purpose Maps 2. Thematic Maps 3. Topographic Maps

IMPORTANT MAP COMPONENTS Map Projections When the features of a globe are transferred onto flat surfaces. Map Scale Represents the RATIO of the distance between the points on the earth and the distance between the two corresponding points on the map. Grid References Used to locate places on a map. Can be latitude, longitude or military grid, or alpha-numeric.

MAP PROJECTIONS Since the globe is in 3D and a flat surface is in 2D. All 2D maps have some “Distortion”. There are many types of “Map projections” to try and preserve some of the following: 1. Area eg. Lambert Azimuthal 2. Angles and bearings eg. Mercator projection 3. Shapes and Sizes eg. Robinson 4. Distance and Direction eg. Sinusoidal

Map Scale Map scale can be represented in 3 ways: Representative Fraction: A ratio expressing the relationship of the number of units on the map to the number of the same units on the real earth. Example- 1 : 500 000 1 / 500 000 Graphic Bar: A bar is divided into equally spaced segments and labeled with familiar linear units. Example-

map scale = map distance / earth distance Verbal Scale: A simple expression on the face of the map stating the linear relationship. Example: 1cm = 5km 1cm equal to 5km To calculate scale, use the following formula: map scale = map distance / earth distance Remember to convert everything into the same units! Then convert back to what you were asked.

Map Scale LARGE SCALE – maps that show small area with a LARGE amount of detail. Eg. A map of Toronto. Scale - 1:50 000 SMALL SCALE – maps that show large area with a SMALL amount of detail. Eg. A world map. Scale – 1: 250 000

Grid Systems We can use grid systems to locate places on a map. The 3 grid systems used today are: 1. Latitude and Longitude 2. Military Grid 3. Alphanumeric Grid

1. Latitude and Longitude Grid work of lines extending north-south and east-west. Measured as angles Latitude is measured north and south of the equator Longitude is measured east and west from the prime meridian.

Latitude and Longitude Parallels of Latitude Meridians of Longitude The Graticule

Latitude and Longitude Picture latitude and longitude as an angle measured from the centre of the earth.

2. Military Grid A grid of blue lines (eastings and northings) is used to identify squares in a grid pattern. This grid system is used mainly on topographic maps.

Why was the military grid system introduced? It was easier to place a grid system on a map then to use degrees, minutes and seconds from a globe. With the increasing range in artillery in WWI, latitude and longitude was too cumbersome.

Reading a Military Grid Easting: vertical line running from top to bottom of the map Northing: horizontal line across the map.

Reading a Military Grid By combining the digits from the easting and from the northing we are able to identify a square on the map. Remember: “Read Right Up” First: read to the RIGHT of the easting. Second: read UP from the northing.

567 – Find the vertical 56 line and then go to the right 7. An Example: 567893 567 – Find the vertical 56 line and then go to the right 7. 893 – Find the horizontal 89 line and then go up 3. 90 567893 89 88 87 56 57 58 59 60

3. Alphanumeric Grid This system uses LETTERS and NUMBERS to identify squares in a grid pattern. This grid system is used mainly on Road Maps.

Reading an Alphanumeric Grid The LETTERS represent the horizontal lines. The NUMBERS represent the lines running from the top to the bottom of the map. The Alphanumeric grid system is not as accurate as the Military grid system or Latitude and Longitude.

CARTOGRAPHIC ELEMENTS of a Map Title – must make sense and stand out Legend – if required, describes units Border – Map and/or Frame border Scale – usually Linear Direction – North Arrow Overall neatness Balance!! Very little white space.

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