1. Maps and Globes

2. An Earth Reference System

3. Maps and Globes
Maps and globes show shape, size, and position of Earth’s surface features.
Map – Model on a flat surface of Earth’s surface as seen from above.
Globe – A sphere that represents Earth’s entire surface.

4. Map Projection
Map projections use lines on a flat map to show landmasses.

5. Mercator Projection
Mercator projection – lines of latitude and longitude are straight and parallel.
Landmasses near the equator are slightly out of shape.
Landmasses near the poles are more out of shape.

6. Equal Area Projection
Equal Area Projections – show the correct size of landmasses, but the shapes near the edge look stretched and curved

7. Conic Projection
Lines of longitude appear as straight lines while lines of latitude are curved.
There is little distortion.
Can show only limited parts of Earth’s surface.

8. Topographic Maps
Topographic map: Map that shows the surface features of an area

9. Isolines
Isolines: A line on a map, chart, or graph connecting points of equal value

10. Surface Air Pressure

11. Air Temperature

12. Dew Point Temperature

13. Surface Pressure Change Map

14. Contour Lines Contour Lines: connect points of equal elevation
Mapmakers use contour lines to represent elevation, relief and slope
Contour interval: Change in elevation from contour line to contour line
Index lines: Contour lines with labeled elevation, usually darker in color

15. Interpreting Contour Lines
Steepness: Lines close together show steep topography
Lines far apart show gradual topography
V shapes indicate a river
Depressions are shown by contour lines with hash marks