1. TOOLS OF GEOGRAPHY

2. TOOLS TO USE Maps- two-dimensional graphic representations of selected parts of the earth’s surface Globes- a three-dimensional representation of the earth

3. Advantages Maps are portable and easy to use Globes show the earth as it sits in space

4. MAPS Eratosthenes was first to calculate circumference of earth (only off about 15 degrees) in about 255 BC Oldest known map is Babylonian clay tablet created about 2500 years ago

5. FINDING LOCATION GPS-provides absolute location Theodolite-type of surveying equipment used to measure angles and distances Magnetic Compass-used to accurately determine direction Landsat-series of satellites geographers use to provide geographical information GIS-stores info about the world in a digital database

6. Satellites Best known satellites to map earth are Landsat and GOES (Geostationary Operational Environment Satellite)

7. READING MAPS Title- explains the subject and what information the map conveys Compass Rose- shows North, South, East and West Labels- explains features

8. READING MAPS Legend or Key- lists and explains symbols or colors Lines of Latitude- lines that measure distance North and South Meridians of Longitude- lines that measure distance East and West

9. MAP READING Scale- shows the ratio between a unit of length on a map and a unit of distance on the earth Symbols- represents items on the map Colors- represents a variety of information on a map

10. TYPES OF MAPS Physical Map- shows landforms and bodies of water Political Map- shows features created by humans Flow-line Maps- illustrate movement of people, goods, idea, etc.

11. TYPES OF MAPS General Reference Map- a representation of natural man-made features on the earth Thematic maps- maps that focus on specific types of information (climate, vegetation, etc) –Qualitative maps- use colors, symbols, dots & lines to show a pattern –Cartograms- shows info based on data other than land area

12. MAP PROJECTIONS A map projection is a way of drawing the earth’s surface that reduces distortion caused by presenting a round earth on flat paper Distance, shape, direction or area may be distorted by a projection

13. PROJECTIONS Planar Projections- a projection on a flat surface, called azimuthal projections; it distorts size and shape Conical Projections- these show shape fairly accurately, but will distort landmass at the edges

14. PROJECTIONS Cylindrical Projections- shows the entire earth on one map –Mercator- shapes are distorted at the poles and compressed near the equator –Homolosine- oceans are separated; has accurate shapes but distorted distances –Robinson- shows entire earth with nearly true sizes & shapes; the landforms near the poles are flat