1. Nature and Perspective of Geography Tools of Geographers
Learning Targets
1. Identify major tools of geography
2. Describe the role of map scale and projections in map making
3. Explain the purpose of various types of thematic maps

2. What are the primary tools of Geographers?
Globes – 3 dimensional model (small replica) of the earth
a. Advantages – completely accurate
*shows correct – sizes, shapes, distances, and directions
b. Disadvantages – expensive, impractical, and limited (can only show a few details and themes)
2. Maps – 2 dimensional graphic view of parts or all of the earth
a. Advantages: basically everything a globe cannot be
b. Disadvantages – distortion (inaccuracy – size, shapes, distance, and directions
*because you are flattening a round object

3. How are maps made? Cartography – the art and science of mapmaking
a. Surveying – taking measurements of the earth’s surface (elevations, depths, slopes)
*how early maps were drawn
b. Remote sensing – surveying from a distance
* aerial photography – series of overlapping pictures take from an airplane
* space (satellites) – Landsat (takes 16 days to scan the entire surface)
c. GIS – use computers to create maps today
New technology
a. GPS – uses a system of satellites (Navstars) to track exact locations
* Who uses them? Examples – everyone today!

4. How do geographers / cartographers overcome distortion?
Types of maps
Projections – different ways of showing the earth’s curved surface on a flat map
* create by wrapping paper around a globe and projecting the image onto the paper
General types:
cylindrical (tube)
planar (flat)
conical (cone)
Where the paper – touches the surface of the earth is where it is most accurate

5. Specific types of map projections
Conformal – shows true shape (ex. – Mercator)
Azimuthal (from a point or azimuth) – shows true direction (N&S poles)
Equal Area – shows true size (Peters)
Goode Homolosine (interrupted)- cuts out parts of the ocean to show the land accurately
Compromise – minimizes distortion in all 4 areas for world maps (ex – Robinson)

6. How can we best understand and use maps?
Components of a map
Title – tells what the map is about (may contain a date)
Legend / Key – explains the meaning of colors and symbols
Scale – shows the relationship between a unit of distance on map compared to the real world
bar scale (most common) – segmented line showing miles and or kilometers
Directional indicator – a compass rose shows cardinal directions (N,S,E,W)
intermediate – NW, SE, etc.

7. Specific maps
a. Small Scale – large area / SMALL details
b. Large Scale – small area / LARGE details

8. General purpose maps – show information that is most used by readers
*physical – shows relief (elevations of the land and depths of the water)
*political – shows borders between countries (also cities, states, etc.)

9. Map (shade, colors, symbols)
Choropleth
Map (shade, colors, symbols)
Thematic – show specific data
(climate, population, economics)
*cartograms – illustrate size based on data other than land area
*flow line – illustrate movements over a period of time
Dot Density Map
Isoline Map

10. What are other tools geographers use to interpret info about the world?
Census – a periodic (usually every 10 years) and detailed counting of a population
a. Can identify many characteristics like ethnicity, income, age, gender, religion, etc.
b. It is used to see – where there are needs (especially when it comes to spending tax dollars)

11. 2. Data organizers
Bar / line graphs – compare several sets of information (show trends)
Circle graphs (aka pie charts) – compare parts of information to the whole topic as a %
Cross sectional diagram
allows a side view of a feature rather than a top view
Tables / charts – organized info into rows or columns
Time lines – organize events in chronological order
Population pyramid – horizontal bar graphs that focus on population (age & gender).

12. FINAL THOUGHT
Tools of geography tend to shrink the earth down & organize information into logical formats