The Geographer’s Tools

Maps and Globes A geographer’s tools include maps, globes, and data that can be displayed in a variety of ways. Oldest known map: Babylonian clay tablet, circa 500 B.C. A map’s function: to show locations of places, landforms, and bodies of water, and where they are in relation to other parts of the earth.

Two or Three Dimensions Globe—a three-dimensional representation (a sphere) of Earth Most accurate replication of Earth Globes can show the "Great Circle Route" - the shortest distance between any two points on the earth's surface Map—a two-dimensional graphic representation of Earth’s surface

Cartography Cartographers are mapmakers. They draw and create different types of map projections. While maps are very useful in studying Geography, even the best drawn maps can be inaccurate. The actual size of countries and their distance from one another can be distorted. What causes distortion?

Map Projection Cartographers attempt to transfer the earth- a round, spherical globe- to flat paper. Areas, angles, directions, shapes and distances can become distorted when transferred from a curved surface to a flat plane

Mercator Projection The best know map projection is named for its inventor, Gerardus Mercator, who developed it in 1569 Primarily used by sailors for navigation.

Robinson Projection Was a compromise projection developed by Arthur Robinson, a leading educator in cartography This projection shows the whole earth uninterrupted with reasonable shapes

Types of Maps 1) Physical Map 2) Political Map 3) Thematic Map There are three main types of maps: 1) Physical Map 2) Political Map 3) Thematic Map

Physical Maps Physical maps help you see the types of landforms and bodies of water found in specific area. Color, shading, or contour lines are used to indicate elevation or altitude.

Political Maps Political maps show political boundaries on earth’s surface that humans created. Included on a political map may be cities, states, provinces, territories, or countries.

Thematic Maps Geographers also rely on thematic maps, which focus on specific types of information such as climate, vegetation, natural resources, population density, and economic activities.

Other Thematic Maps Flow-Line Maps Cartograms

Reading a Map Title- The title explains the subject of the map and gives you an idea of what information the map conveys. Compass Rose- The compass rose shows you the north (N), south (S), east (E), and west (W) directions on the map. Labels- Labels are words or phrases that explain features on the map. Legend- A legend or key lists and explains the symbols and use of color on the map. Lines of Latitude- These are imaginary lines that measure distance north or south of the equator. (parallels) Lines of Longitude- These are imaginary lines that measure distance east or west of the prime meridian. (meridians) Scale- A scale shows the ratio between a unit of length on the map and a unit of distance on the earth. Symbols- Symbols represent such items as capital cities, economic activities, or natural resources. Colors- Colors represent a variety of information on a map. The map legend indicates what the colors mean.

Cartographer Assignment Draw a map showing two locations at least 5 miles apart. Such as your home and NPHS. Must include all the following: Title Labels Legend Compass Rose Latitude/Longitude Scale (ex: 1 inch = 1 mile) Symbols (minimum of 12) Full Color

The Science of Mapmaking Surveyors observe, measure, record what they see in a specific area Remote sensing, gathering geographic data from a distance, includes: - aerial photography - satellite imaging

The Science of Mapmaking Best known satellites are Landsat and GOES Landsat is a series of satellites; can scan entire planet in 16 days

Landsat images showing over 30 years of rapid urban expansion in China's Shanghai region

The Science of Mapmaking Geostationary Operational Environment Satellite (GOES): - orbits in sync with Earth’s rotation - gathers images of atmospheric conditions

GOES-12 captured this visible image of Hurricane Katrina on August 28, 2005,

The Science of Mapmaking Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a digital geographic database - Combines and displays information from many sources

GIS Map: Appalachian Basin - ArcView for Terrain Exploration

GIS Map of Friendswood, Texas - ArcGIS for Tax Mapping

GIS Map of Berat, Albania - Oil Wells

The Science of Mapmaking Global Positioning System (GPS):Uses series of 24 Navstar satellites to beam information to Earth - Hand-held GPS receivers on Earth display exact position - GPS used by explorers, sailors, drivers; also used to track animals