Intro to our……. “Essential Question(s)” What tools can be used to retrieve social studies information most easily?

The Geographers Tools (R8)

Maps & Globes For thousands of years, people have been trying to record the features of our planet on maps and globes. The earliest globes and maps were created using only human memory and eyeballs. These early maps and globes were not very accurate.

Maps & Globes Today, we have the benefits of modern technology. Satellite photography has enabled us to make maps that are very accurate. This is a satellite image of southern Florida.

Maps & Globes Increased knowledge and modern technology allows a cartographer, or mapmaker, to construct maps that give a more detailed and accurate picture of our world.

Differences Between Maps & Globes Globes A globe is a very accurate model of earth, because globes are spherical, just like the earth. The downside of globes is that they are hard to carry around with you. Globes are not very portable.

Differences Between Maps & Globes Maps Maps are a little bit less accurate than globes. This is because maps are two-dimensional. BUT……. Maps are more practical, because they can be folded up and carried around very easily. Maps are very portable.

3 Kinds of Maps General Reference Maps Used to show natural and human-made features. Used to locate a place.

3 Kinds of Maps Thematic Maps These typically focus on one specific idea or theme. Examples: Religion’s of the World Map & Population Density Map

3 Kinds of Maps Nautical Maps Pilots and sailors use nautical maps to find their way through air or over water. Sometimes, a nautical map is called a “chart.”

Map Projections It is difficult to accurately represent the features of the spherical earth on a flat map. The different ways of showing the earth’s curved surface on a flat map are called Map Projections.

Map Projections Some map projections make certain places look bigger or smaller than they really are. Some map projections distort the shapes of places.

Mercator Projection

Robinson Projection

Maps, Charts, & Graphs Geographers also use charts and graphs to show information that can’t be found by using a map. Charts and graphs can simply show what would take many words to illustrate.