Sci. 1-2 Mapping the Earth’s Surface Pages

A. A globe is probably the most accurate model of the Earth.

B.Maps are better for studying Earth’s surface because they show more detail like roads and rivers. Maps can show the entire Earth or just parts of it.

C.Maps have built-in distortion because some information is lost when mapmakers transfer images from a curved surface to a flat surface. 1. These may make some landmasses and oceans appear larger than they really are.

D.Mapmakers use map projections to transfer the image of Earth’s curved surfaces onto a flat surface. 1.All flat maps have some amount of distortion. 2.3 most common projections- cylinders, cones, and planes

E.Mercator projection – a map projection that results when the contents of the globe are transferred onto a cylinder of paper 1.Lines of latitude and longitude are parallel 2.It has great distortion around the poles making Greenland appear as large as Africa.

F.Conic Projection – a map projection that is made by transferring the contents of a globe onto a cone. 1. Best for mapping land that have more area east and west than north and south like the United States.

G.Azimuthal Projection- a map projection that is made by transferring the contents of a globe onto a plane 1. Area of decreased distortion is around only one point

H.Aerial photographs – pictures from the sky are important in helping mapmakers make accurate maps

I.Remote sensing (gathering info. without being there) – has allowed mapmakers to make more accurate maps 1.Cameras in planes 2.Sensors in satellite

J. All maps should have the following:

1) Title – subject of the map 2) Date – the time when the information was collected

3)Scale – like a ruler to show distance measured on the map 4)Legend – a list of symbols and explanations

5) Compass rose – shows the map directions