1. The Geographer’s Tools

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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?

5. 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

6. 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.

8. 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

10. 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

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. Other Thematic Maps
Flow-Line Maps Cartograms

15. 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.

16. 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

17. 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

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

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

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

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

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

24. GIS Map: Appalachian Basin - ArcView for Terrain Exploration

25. GIS Map of Friendswood, Texas - ArcGIS for Tax Mapping

26. GIS Map of Berat, Albania - Oil Wells

27. 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