1. A model or representation of the Earth’s surface
Map
Reference point
Cardinal directions
Latitude
equator
A model or representation of the Earth’s surface
Is a fixed point on the Earth’s surface from which direction and location can be described
Example: a landmark like the north or south pole (because the Earth is round)
North, south, east and west
More precise than left, right, and straight
True north: the geographic north pole – it never changes, unlike the magnetic north pole
Imaginary lines drawn around the Earth parallel to the equator
Called parallels
The distance north or south from the equator measured in degrees
A circle ½ between the poles that divides the Earth between Northern and Southern Hemispheres
0° latitude

2. Using Latitude and Longitude
Prime Meridian
Using Latitude and Longitude
Imaginary lines that pass through the poles
Called meridians
The distance east or west from the prime meridian measured in degrees
Not parallel, touch at the pole and farthest apart at the equator
The meridian selected to be 0° longitude
Greenwich, England
Does not completely circle the globe
180° is the opposite side
Eastern Hemisphere is between 0°-180° - east of Prime Meridian
Western Hemisphere is between 0°-180° - west of Prime Meridian
Find the intersecting points on the map
The points make a grid, connect north & south with east & west points

3. Losing accuracy Mercator Projection Conic Projection
Because the Earth is a sphere, accuracy is lost when information is transferred
Distortions in shape and distance
A map projection where the contents of the globe are transferred onto a cylinder of paper.
Latitude and longitude lines are straight & parallel
Widens the area near the poles
A map projection made by transferring the contents of the globe onto a cone and unrolled
Touches each line of longitude, but only one line of latitude
Distortion occurs along the lines of latitude further away from the one touching the cone
Best for East/West landmasses

4. A map projection made transferring the globe onto one plane
Azimuthal Projection
Modern Map Making
Information on Maps
A map projection made transferring the globe onto one plane
Only touches one point, usually a pole
Little distortion at that point
Distortion occurs from that point on
Aerial Photographs – give a bird’s-eye view
Remote sensing – gathering information without actually being there (satellites)
The keys to what is on any given map
Title – telling you what type of map it is
Scale – Earth surface vs. map surface
Graphic scale – comparison ruler
Verbal scale – describes the scale
Representative fraction – ratio
Compass rose – shows North
Legend – shows symbols (key)
Date – when the map was accurate