1. MAPS
Maps are a visual representation of the Earth’s surface, drawn to scale and made for a specific purpose.
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Each unique map projection serves a particular purpose.

2. Types of Maps
Physical maps show elevation, mountains, rivers, deserts etc…

3. Types of Maps
Political maps show countries, cities, capitals, counties.

4. Special purpose maps
Maps designed for a special purpose. Highway maps, population maps, etc…

5. Maps have four properties
Maps have four properties. When you take a round globe and “flatten” it, one or more of these properties will be “distorted.”
The properties of maps include:
scale
distance
area
direction

7. Maps can promote a particular viewpoint.
West Wing Map clip
Maps can promote a particular viewpoint.

8. What is wrong with this map?
Nothing. Check the compass.

9. MAP PROJECTIONS Robinson Hard to see the poles Projection
Advantages (what is it used for)
Projection
Disadvantages
What is distorted
Robinson
Compromises Polar Areas
Hard to see the poles
Shows minimal distortion. Used by schools

10. The Robinson projection distorts all properties to a degree, but doesn’t distort any single property too much.
Poles are distorted and properties further north and south are still a little larger than reality.

11. MAP PROJECTIONS Robinson Hard to see the poles Mercator
Advantages (what is it used for)
Projection
Disadvantages
What is distorted
Robinson
Compromises Polar Areas
Hard to see the poles
Shows minimal distortion. Used by schools
Mercator
Areas larger near the poles.
Greenland looks as large as South America
Shows true direction. Used by ships navigators.

12. Notice the size of Greenland compared to South America or Africa
Notice the size of Greenland compared to South America or Africa. In reality, it is about the size of Argentina.
Shapes are correct but sizes are distorted.

13. Mercator Projection
While it “looks” larger at the top, note how the distance between latitude lines increases

14. This is the map used by ships navigators
This is the map used by ships navigators. The shapes of countries are correct.

15. MAP PROJECTIONS Robinson Hard to see the poles Mercator
Advantages (what is it used for)
Projection
Disadvantages
What is distorted
Robinson
Compromises Polar Areas
Hard to see the poles
Shows minimal distortion. Used by schools
Mercator
Areas larger near the poles.
Greenland looks as large as South America
Shows true direction. Used by ships navigators.
Used by airline pilots to plot the best route around the globe.
Azimuthal
Latitude lines
Can’t see the entire world on one map.

16. Distances measured from the center are true
Distances measured from the center are true. Distortion of other properties increases away from the center point.
Note how a plane would fly over Greenland to get to Moscow. How would a Robinson plot the trip?

17. Note the route planned on a Robinson Map. Adds unnecessary distance.

19. Remember, there are hundreds of map projections, each used for a specific purpose.