Geographer’s Tools Maps and Globes

Globes and Maps A globe is a three-dimensional representation of the earth. A map is a two-dimensional graphic representation of the earth. A map projection is a way of drawing the earth’s surface that reduces distortion caused by presenting a round earth on flat paper.

Globes Provide a way to view the earth as it travels in space. Are not easily portable.

Elements of a Map Title Compass Rose Labels legend Lines of Latitude Lines of Longitude Scale Symbols Colors Assignment: Create map with all elements of map. Can work with partner. Use all of 8x11 sheet of paper Colorful Define elements of map on back

Map Projections 1)Planar/azimuthal Projections 2) Conical Projections 3) Compromised Projections A cartographer is a mapmaker. Cartographers reduce some types of distortion by using different types of map projections depending on the purpose of the map.

1) Planar/azimuthal Projection Shows shortest distance between to points

2) Conical Projections Projections shows shape fairly accurately, but distorts landmasses at the edges of the map. Used for large landmasses.

3) Compromised Projection Projection on a cylinder. Three types Mercator – distortion towards poles/compressed at equator; used for navigation. Homolosine – accurate land masses but distances are not correct; AKA interrupted map. Robinson - nearly true sizes and shapes of continents and oceans, land masses at poles are flattened

Satellites Landset is a series of satellites that orbit more than 100 miles above Earth to pick up data. Landset can scan the entire Earth in 16 days.

Geographic Information Systems GIS stores information about the world in a digital database. GIS has the ability to let us look at the world in different ways. The information includes maps, aerial photographs, satellite images, and other data.

Global Positioning System GPS is a series of satellites called Navstars, which beam information to the earth. The exact position-----latitude, longitude, altitude, and time is displayed on a hand-held receiver. Hikers, explores, sailors, drivers, and the military use GPS devices to determine location. They are also used to track animals.

Types of Maps Maps are used for different purposes – they are always communicating something.

Types of Maps Physical Maps show landforms and bodies of water found on the earth.

Types of Maps Political Maps show features on the earth’s surface that humans created. Political Maps may include cities, states, provinces, territories, and countries.

Types of Maps Topographic Maps show natural and man-made features on the earth. Isolines show common elevation.

Types of Maps Thematic maps are maps that give specific information about the earth and the people on it.