1. Globes- 3-D representation of the earth Pros: Accurate shape, landmasses correct size and shape Cons: Inconvienent, only able to see one side at a time

2. Maps- 2-Dimensional representations of the earth. Pros: Portable, variety of sizes, more detail Cons: Distorted sizes and distances All maps have distortion. It is impossible to take a curved surface and make it flat without distorting the image.

3. A projection is a way of showing the curved surface on a flat map. Distance, shape, direction, and/or area can be distorted. NGS

4. Surveying- observe, measure, and record information about a specific area using satellites or field study. Satellites- Takes pictures of the earth from space. GOES- Geostationary Operational Environment Satellite is weather satellites that are in sync with the earth’s rotation measuring atmospheric conditions over a specific area http://www.goes.noaa.gov/ Landsat- a group of satellites that can scan the earth in 16 days in 115 mile increments http://landsat.gsfc.nasa.gov/data/Browse/Cities/SanFrancisco.JPG Earth Google

5. Space Shuttle/Station Photography- pictures taken by astronauts on space shuttle missions or while at the space station

6. Geographic Information Systems (GIS)- a digital database in which data (aerial photos, satellite images, maps, etc) can be combined to create a map. Global Positioning System (GPS)- originally created for the military. Today it uses 24 satellites giving info on latitude, longitude, altitude, and time.