Chapter 1: Thinking Geographically

MAPS The tool of the geographer.

These mushroom spores are too small to see, so we put them under a MICROSCOPE. When we can see them, we can begin to study them.

This planet is too big to see, so we put it under a MACROSCOPE. When we can see it, we can study it.

Some things are very tiny, and we must use complex electric and optical means to enlarge them so as to understand their configuration and structural relationships. In contrast, geographical things are so extensive that we must somehow reduce them to bring them into view. - Arthur Robinson, cartographer MAPS are the macroscope.

Cartography: The science of making maps. Reference Tools To find locations To find one’s way Communication Tools Show the distribution of human & physical features Uses of Maps

Spatial Perspective In Human Geography, we must examine spatially the location of certain phenomena In other words, we need to find where things are located in space Then ask “Why?” We can begin by using one of two tools: globes or map projections Globe Represents the world as it is (smaller scale) Projection The system used to transfer locations from Earth’s surface to a flat map.

Projections Projection – The system used to transfer locations from Earth’s surface to a flat map. Types Robinson Mercator Goode’s homolosine And many others General classes Conic Cylindrical Planar (azimuthal)

Orange Peel Game!! Task: 1)In your group peel an orange without breaking any pieces off. 2)Once you have completely peeled your orange, laying flat onto a sheet of blank white paper. 3)Trace the outline of your peel flat onto the white sheet of paper. 4)Fit all 7 continents accurately into the outline of your peel.

Types of Projections Robinson projection : exaggerating distances and areas near the poles (look larger than they really are at the poles and smaller than they really are in the low latitudes), not all latitude and longitude intersect at 90º angles, nor does it preserve direction or shape; but overall it does a good job of representing spatial relationships.

Mercator Mercator projection - Preserves accurate compass direction but distorts area of landmasses relative to each other. Landmasses become increasingly distorted, or large in size, at high latitude near the North & South Poles.

Goode’s Homolosine (Oval) Earth has been peeled and flattened where interruptions take place in the major oceans. In certain places distance, direction and shape are distorted, yet zones around equator are well represented.

watch?v=vVX-PrBRtTY

Distortions 1.Shape 2.Distance 3.Relative size 4.Direction

Distortion: Shape More elongated or squat than in reality

Distortion: Distance Distance between two places is increased or decreased

Distortion: Relative Size An area may appear larger or smaller than on another map

Distortion: Direction The direction from one place to another may be changed

Locations on a Map

Meridian: arc from North pole to South pole Longitude – The numbering system used to indicate the location of meridians drawn on a globe and measuring distance east and west of the prime meridian (0˚). Parallel: circle drawn around the globe parallel to the equator Latitude – The numbering system used to indicate the location of parallels drawn on a globe and measuring distance north and south of the equator (0˚). Reno: 39˚ 25’ 22” N/119˚ 42’ 45” W Mathematical Location

Length of Daylight Hours Latitude Mar. / Sept.DecemberJune 90º N>12 / < º N º N º12 30º S º S º S 12240

Equator – The great circle of the earth that is equidistant from the North Pole and South Pole. 0˚ latitude Prime Meridian – The meridian, designated as 0˚ longitude, that passes through the Royal Observatory at Greenwich, England. 0˚ longitude International Date Line – An arc that for the most part follows 180˚ longitude, although it deviates in several places to avoid dividing land areas. When you cross the International Date Line heading east (toward America), the clock moves back 24 hours, or one entire day. When you go west (toward Asia), the calendar moves ahead one day. 180˚ longitude (generally) Kiribati: chain of islands in Pacific 1997: moved the IDL 2000 miles east and as such don’t fall under standard time 1 st country to see each day’s sunrise Lines of Latitude/Longitude

Time zones - one of the 24 regions or divisions of the globe approximately coinciding with the meridians at successive hours from the observatory at Greenwich, England. Each time zone is roughly 15˚ of longitude in width, with local variations for economic or political convenience. 360˚ / 24 hours per day= each time zone represents 1 hour and 15˚ Non-standard time zones: Iran GMT+3:30 Afghanistan GMT+4:30 India GMT+5:30 Nepal GMT+5:45 Myanmar (Burma) GMT+6:30 Central Australia GMT+9:30 Venezuela GMT-2:30 Newfoundland GMT-3:30 Time Zones

Current Event

Scale Scale – Generally, the relationship between the portion of Earth being studied and Earth as a whole; specifically, the relationship between the size of an object on a map and the size of the actual feature on Earth’s surface. Application Activity

Local Global City  County  State  Region  Country  Continent  World