1.2 The Geographer’s Tools Geography

Journal Journal List the kinds of maps that you are familiar with. List the kinds of maps that you are familiar with. How do you find Bromley from school? How do you find Bromley from school?

1.2 The Geographer’s Tools Globes and Maps Globes and Maps Globe—a round ball like the Earth. (3D) Mapmakers could show the continents and oceans of the Earth as they really are. Globe—a round ball like the Earth. (3D) Mapmakers could show the continents and oceans of the Earth as they really are. What is the problem with the globe? Can you put it in your pocket and take it with you on your way to Burlington? What is the problem with the globe? Can you put it in your pocket and take it with you on your way to Burlington? A globe cannot be complete enough to be convenient. A globe cannot be complete enough to be convenient.

1.2 The Geographer’s Tools Geographers invented flat maps (2D) Geographers invented flat maps (2D) The problem? The Earth is round, but the map is flat. The problem? The Earth is round, but the map is flat. You cannot show a round earth on a flat map without distortion, a change in accuracy of shapes and distances. You cannot show a round earth on a flat map without distortion, a change in accuracy of shapes and distances. Something is going to look smaller or larger than it is. Something is going to look smaller or larger than it is.

The Science of Mapmaking Cartographer – a map maker q.What is used in making the map? a.Surveying Examining the area to be mapped. This typically involves the use of…

 SATELLITES- gather geographic data from the atmosphere Examples: GOES and Landsat  GPS- Global Positioning System- used to determine the absolute location. Uses satellites to track.  GIS- Geographic Information System- stores a variety of types of information in digital databases. The information can be combined to answer geographic questions.

Map Scales: shows the distance represented on the map compared to the real distance on the earth’s surface.  Ratio Scale- Example: 1’ = 500miles  Bar Scale- Example:

1.2 The Geographer’s Tools Getting it all on the Map Getting it all on the Map Mercator Projection—a method of putting a map of the Earth on a flat piece of paper. Mercator Projection—a method of putting a map of the Earth on a flat piece of paper. This map is used by sailors This map is used by sailors On the Mercator Projection Greenland looks bigger than South America. Greenland is actually only one-eighth as large as South America. On the Mercator Projection Greenland looks bigger than South America. Greenland is actually only one-eighth as large as South America. Is a type of “Compromise Projection.” Shows correct shapes but not true distances or sizes. Projects a globe onto a cylinder. Is a type of “Compromise Projection.” Shows correct shapes but not true distances or sizes. Projects a globe onto a cylinder.

Mercator Projection Map

1.2 The Geographer’s Tools Interrupted Projection—like a ripped orange peel. Interrupted Projection—like a ripped orange peel. Another kind of “Compromise Projection.” Another kind of “Compromise Projection.” Also known as a Homolosine. Also known as a Homolosine. By creating gaps in the picture of the world, mapmakers showed the size and shape of land accurately. By creating gaps in the picture of the world, mapmakers showed the size and shape of land accurately. The gaps make it impossible to figure distances correctly. The gaps make it impossible to figure distances correctly.

Interrupted Projection Map

1.2 The Geographer’s Tools Robinson’s Projection—shows the size and shape of most of the land quite accurately. Robinson’s Projection—shows the size and shape of most of the land quite accurately. Still ANOTHER kind of Compromise Map. Still ANOTHER kind of Compromise Map. Sizes of the oceans and distances are also fairly accurate Sizes of the oceans and distances are also fairly accurate Robinson’s distortions are around the edge of the map. Robinson’s distortions are around the edge of the map.

Robinson Projection Map

OTHER MAP TYPES: POLAR (aka – Azimuthal)  Looking straight at the North or South Pole.  Used mostly by airlines.  Highly distorted.

1.2 The Geographer’s Tools Parts of a map Parts of a map Compass rose—model of a compass Compass rose—model of a compass Cardinal directions—north, south, east and west. Cardinal directions—north, south, east and west. Key—(legend) may include symbols for features such as national and state parks, various types of roads, sizes of towns and cities, or important land marks. Key—(legend) may include symbols for features such as national and state parks, various types of roads, sizes of towns and cities, or important land marks. Title—tells the subject of the map Title—tells the subject of the map

Some Types of Maps  Physical- shows the landforms and bodies of water (p.20)  Political- shows man-made features (p21)  Thematic  Cartogram- presents information about a country based on data other than land size (p22)  Qualitative: uses colors, symbols, dots, or lines to show patterns (p22)  Flow-line- shows movement (p23)

PHYSICAL MAP

POLITICAL MAP

THEMATIC - CARTOGRAM

THEMATIC - QUALITATIVE

THEMATIC – FLOW LINE

REMEMBER THIS IDEA?

1.2 The Geographer’s Tools Grid—parallels and meridians or letters (large country maps) and numbers (smaller road, city, county, state maps). Grid—parallels and meridians or letters (large country maps) and numbers (smaller road, city, county, state maps).