1. Making Sense of Maps Doug R. Oetter Dept. of History and Geography
Georgia College & State University
6 October 2004

2. Geography Study of Earth phenomena
Includes an analysis of distributional patterns and interrelationships among these phenomena.

3. Two Branches of Geography
Human geography
Populations & Migrations
Culture (Languages, Religions)
Regions
Trade & Transportation
Geopolitics
Physical Geography
Meteorology
Geomorphology
Biogeography
Soil science

4. Technology, Tools, and Methods of Geography
Maps
Photographs and satellite images
Surveying
Global Positioning System
Field work and remote measurements
Instruments
Geo-statistics

5. Maps Maps are a way to record and store information
Maps are a means of analyzing locational distribution and spatial patterns
Maps are a method of presenting information and communicating findings
Maps are 2-dimensional representations of a 3-dimensional spheroid

6. Maps and Mapping Advantages of Maps Limitations of Maps
Graphic representations with symbolic language
Show spatial relationships with great efficiency
Can be changed through time and space
Useful to laypeople as well as geographers
Limitations of Maps
Can never be completely accurate because they leave out detail and conditions change
Map distortion is inherent due to the Earth’s curvature

7. Global Grid Parallels are always parallel and evenly spaced
111 km (69 mi)
Meridians converge at the poles
Meridians and parallels cross at right angles

8. Map Projections

9. Essential Map Elements
Title
Legend
Scale
Orientation
Metadata

10. Types of Maps Thematic Location Distribution Topographic Isolines
Charts

11. Thematic Focuses attention on one feature or theme
Shows the distribution of a single attribute or the relationship among several

12. Location
Shows geographic situation and other important locational information

13. Distribution
Dot map shows relative density by position and number of dots

14. Isolines Isolines show boundaries between areas of equal value
Elevation
Air temperature
Precipitation

15. Topographic
Contour lines plus surface features

16. Charts
Specially designed to serve the needs of nautical and aeronautical navigators

17. Small vs. Large Scale Small scale Large scale small amount of detail
small RF
Large scale
large detail
large RF

18. Exercise 1: What Type of Map is This?
What does it show?
What scale is it?

19. What makes a Good Map? What is the motive, intent, or goal of the map?
Who will read the map?
Where will the map be used?
What data are available for the composition of the map?
What resources are available in terms of both time and equipment?

20. Exercise 2: Can you Make a Map?
Mental Maps
A person's perception of the world is known as a mental map.
A mental map is an individual's own internal map of their known world.

21. Traditional Mapping Methods
Manual technologies
Hand-drawn from navigators
Magnetic technology
Compass
Mechanical technology
Printing press
Photography
Field stations & surveying
Air photos
Stereoscopes and zoom transfers

22. Digital technology
Hardware
Software
Data

23. Modern Mapping Methods
GIS
Remote Sensing
Active
Emitting and detecting reflected signal
Passive
Detecting reflected sunlight or thermal signal
Computer Cartography

24. GIS Digitizer Geocoding Attributes Digital Imagery
Digital Elevation Models
Point, Line, and Polygon Features

25. Remote Sensing
Gathering and interpretation of all types of aerial and space imagery

26. Aerial Photography
Vertical vs. oblique
True color, near-infrared

27. Passive Remote Sensing
Thermal Infrared Scanning (TIR)
Multi-spectral sensors
Landsat
SPOT
Ikonos
MODIS

28. Computer Cartography

29. Exercise 3: GIS Demonstration

30. Map Links
Map, maps, maps: All about "The World of Maps - Die Welt der Karten"
Map Collections Home Page
PCL Map Collection
Mapping History: The Darkwing Atlas Project
MapQuest! Welcome!
Excite Maps: Map a U.S. Address
GlobeXplorer
TopoZone - The Web's Topographic Map
Digital Chart of the World
Digital Atlas of Idaho
The Virtual Earth
Atlas of the World
Early Washington Maps: A Digital Collection
Cartographic Images Home Page
USGS National Mapping Information: Home Page
Maps101 Plus--Educational Maps--Demo Area
Atlas Maps - The National Atlas of the United States of America
3G on W3: The Great Globe Gallery on the World Wide Web
David Rumsey Historical Map Collection
Heritage Antique Map Museum
*The Map Guide!* - Map links to World, Country and more maps
Raven Maps and Images - "World's most beautiful maps!"
Historical Photography of Oregon
Oddens bookmarks
Earth Sciences & Map Library Home Page
Graphic Maps
Worlimania - sphere
Xerox PARC Map Viewer: world 0.00N 0.00E (1.0X)
Amazing Map Collections - MAPS.COM
Color Landform Atlas of the United States
DeLorme | Maps and Mapping Software
Globes, Wallmaps, Topographic Maps, US Maps, the World and the Universe Beyond
Maps.com - The Place for Maps Online
DRG Maps
Map Images and Geographic Information On the Web
Find Retailer - USGS Mapping Business Partner Home Page
Duiker/Spielvogel Interactive Maps
Table of Contents -- Library of Congress Geography and Maps: An Illustrated Guide
Oddens' bookmarks. The Fascinating World of Maps and Mapping

31. Historical Maps

32. Internet Resources

33. Internet Resources

34. Internet Resources

35. Internet Resources

36. Internet Resources

37. Internet Resources