Basic Geography Globes and Maps

Basic Geography The story of the United States and the World begins with geography---the study of the earth in all of its variety. Geography describes the earth’s land, water, and plant and animal life. It is the study of places and the complex relationships between people and their environments.

Globes

The most accurate way to depict the earth is a globe, or a round form. A globe gives a true picture of the earth’s relative size and the shape of its land masses and bodies of water. Globes are proportionally correct, thus showing the true distances and directions between places.

Maps

A map is a flat drawing of the earth’s surface. People use maps to locate places, plot routes, and judge distances. Maps can also display useful information about the nation’s peoples, such as political boundaries, population densities, or even voting results by city and state.

Physical Maps show the location and the shape of the earth’s physical features. Political Maps show the boundaries between different countries. GENERAL-PURPOSE MAPS

Special-Purpose Maps Special-purpose maps or thematic maps, show information on specific topics, such as climate, land use, or vegetation. Human activities, such as exploration routes, territorial expansion, or battle sites, also appear on special- purpose maps.

Reading a Map Compass Rose: is a marker that indicates directions. The four cardinal directions— north, south, east, and west—are usually indicated with arrow or points of a star. Sometimes a compass rose may indicate only one direction, because the other directions can be determined in relation to the one given.

Reading a Map Key: Cartographers use a variety of symbols to represent map information. The key is a list that explains what the symbols represent. Relative Location: is the location of one place in relation to another, while absolute location indicates the exact position of a place on the earth’s surface.

Reading a Map Cities and Capitals: Cities are symbolized by a solid circle. Capitals are represented by a star within a circle. Boundary Lines: On political maps of large areas, boundary lines highlight the borders between different countries, states, or countries. Sometimes different shades or colors maybe used to differentiate countries, states, or counties.

Reading a Map Scale Bar: Every map is a representation of a part of the earth. The scale bar shows the relationship between map measurements and actual distance. Scale can be measured with a ruler to calculate actual distances in standard or metric measurements.