1. Intro to Cartography -- What is cartography? -- Globes vs. Maps
-- Map scales
-- Map projections
-- Map conventions
-- Map types
-- Maps through time
-- Mapping today

2. What is cartography? Cartography is the art & science of mapmaking.
Cartographers are specially-trained geographers.
Maps are a geographer’s most important tool for thinking spatially (distribution and patterns).
A map serves two purposes:
A tool for storing reference material
A tool for communicating geographic information

3. Globes vs. Maps
The most accurate physical representation of the earth is a globe; still, even globes are inaccurate.
So, why not use a globe if they are more accurate?

4. Map Scales Why draw at different scales? Different needs…
Use:
Accuracy:
Scale shows the ratio of distance and area on the earth to the distance and area on the map.
There is an inverse relationship between the ratio and the “size” of the scale.

5. Map Projections
All maps are inaccurate in at least one way…they distort the earth (round to flat)
There are four true measures, not all of which can be included in a single flat map.
True distance (great circle)
True direction (great circle)
True shape
True area

6. Map Projections
Different methods of representing the round earth on a flat surface are called projections.
The purpose of the map helps determine which projection to use.
Examples:

7. Projection Method
Mathematical formulas (algebraic, trigonometric) are used to plot the round earth on a piece of paper
Cartographers used math to do what a flashlight and clear globe would do

8. Mercator Projection

9. Peters Projection The “controversial” map…
Some believe it is reduces inflated beliefs in western (Euro & American) superiority
Some believe it doesn’t deserve that much credit—it’s just another projection
West Wing

10. Interrupted Projection

11. Robinson Projection
This projection blends techniques to make it a more accurate in three measures
Distance
Area
Shape

12. Projection Comparison
Mercator (cylindrical)
False distance
False direction
False shape
False area
Interrupted
True (or false!) shape
True area
Peters
False distance
False direction
False shape
True area
Robinson (compromise)
Fairly accurate distance
Fairly accurate shape
Fairly accurate area

13. Map Conventions T O D A L S S All good maps have: r i e n t a o a t eu t h o r e g n d c a l e o u r c e i t l e

14. Map Types -- Physical -- Political -- Thematic (special purpose)
Qualitative
Quantitative

15. Physical Maps
Physical maps show one or more natural features, such as mountains, lakes, rivers, and climate.
Relief maps show topography
Topography: different elevations on the earth’s surface (height above sea level, such as hills, valleys, mountains)

17. Political Maps
Political maps show human-made political boundaries and features, including country borders, state or province borders, capitals, and cities.

18. Thematic Maps
Thematic maps are special-purpose maps that show one or more specific features, or themes.
There are two types of thematic maps
Qualitative
Quantitative

19. Qualitative Maps
These maps show some “quality” (feature, phenomena) of the earth or humans
MINNESOTA LAND USE AND COVER 1990s CENSUS OF THE LAND

20. Quantitative Maps
These maps display “quantities” (numbers) in a visual form.

21. Maps Through Time
The oldest known maps were made on clay tablets by the Babylonians (~2300 BC).
Ancient Greeks and Romans made many advances in cartography (i.e., Ptolemy)
In the Middle Ages (~1200s-1400s), maps often had religious themes; Arabs excelled in mapmaking.
During the Renaissance, printing presses made maps widely available; maps often were based on exploration and used for navigation.

22. Modern Cartography
Maps became more accurate in the 18th and 19th centuries as technologies improved.
Today most all maps are made on computers that use GIS (Geographic Information Systems).
Other technologies used in cartography are aerial photography, satellite imagery, and GPS.