Finding Location: Absolute & Relative Location

Where in the World? “Where?” is an important question for geographers Two methods to finding where: Relative location Absolute location

Relative Location Description of a place in relation to other places, using landmarks, distance, or compass directions Uses words like: Left, right, straight ahead North, south, east, west Calderstone Road, Cotrelle, Goreway 3 km, one block

Relative Location [Cont’d] Examples: It’s at the first corner, just pass the park Head west on Cottrelle, then turn left on McVean, go straight, turn left into the plaza with the Tim Horton’s

Relative Location- Simple Directions & Landmarks Give directions to the arena using simple directions and Landmarks (5 steps): I.E. right, left, ball park, grocery store, etc.

Relative Location- Compass & Distance Give directions to the arena using compass direction and distance (5 steps): I.E., three blocks, one block, south, west

Relative Location: Where in the School? Bob is a new student at Calderstone and needs to find his way around the school. Give directions to Bob to help him make his way around the school using relative location. Don’t forget to mention landmarks he’ll see along the way. Draw a map along with the written directions for Bob to follow. Directions from the parking lot to the Main office Directions from the Main office to Room 134 Directions from Room 134 to Room 227 Directions from Room 227 to the Library Directions from the Library to the Gym Directions from the Gym to Student Services

Absolute Location Description of a place independent of any other place 2 Key Methods: Latitude & Longitude Alphanumeric Location

Longitude & Latitude World can be divided into 4 hemispheres: Equator- cuts earth into northern & southern hemispheres Prime Meridian- cuts world into western & eastern hemisphere

Latitude Distance, north or south, from equator Run from left to right 0◦ to 90◦ N, 0◦ to 90◦ S

Longitude Distance, east or west, from the prime meridian Run top to bottom (up and down) 0◦ to 180◦ E, 0◦ to 180◦ W

Alphanumeric Location Uses an alphanumeric grid Alphanumeric grid- lines that divide a map into squares, with numbers along the top and bottom and letters along the sides

Absolute Loction: Where in Ontario? Where are you? Try to find the absolute location of the cities listed below, using latitude and longitude and the alphanumeric grid. Then describe the relative location of each city from Brampton. The first one has been completed for you. City Absolute Location- Latitude & Longitude Absolute Location- Alphanumeric Grid Relative Location from Brampton Cornwall, Ontario 45◦ 02 mins. N, 74◦ 45 mins. W M5NE North Bay, Ontario Kitchener, Ontario Oakville, Ontario Thunder Bay, Ontario Renfrew, Ontario