How Geographers See the World Chapter 1. Globes and Maps globe – a scale model of the earth. Map...
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Transcript of How Geographers See the World Chapter 1. Globes and Maps globe – a scale model of the earth. Map...
Globes and Mapsglobe – a scale model of the earth. Map – a symbolic representation of all or
part of the planet. Cartographer – mapmakerGreat circle route – the shortest distance
between any two places
ProjectionsPlanar Projection – most accurate at its
center. Often used for maps of the poles.Cylindrical Projection – projecting the globe
onto a cylinder. Most accurate near the Equator. Shapes and distances are distorted near the poles.
Conic Projection – comes from placing a cone over part of a globe. Best sutied for showing limited east-west areas that are not too far from the equator.
Common Map ProjectionsWinkel Tripel Projection Goode’s Interrupted Equal-Area ProjectionRobinson ProjectionMercator Projection
Determining LocationLocation – tool for answering the question
where?Grid system – lines on globes and maps
that provide information that can help you locate places. Lines cross each other forming a grid.
Hemisphere – one of the halves into which the Earth is divided.
LatitudeLatitude – lines which circle the earth
parallel to the Equator and measure the distance north or south of the equator in degrees
Equator – 0 degrees latitude
LongitudeLongitude – lines which circle the earth
from Pole to Pole. These lines measure distance east or west of the Prime Meridian.
Prime Meridian – 0 degrees longitude.
Northern and Southern HemispheresNorthern Hemisphere – everything north of
the equatorSouthern Hemisphere – everything south of
the equator
Eastern and Western HemispheresEastern Hemisphere – everything east of
the Prime Meridian for 180 degrees, or half way around the earth
Western Hemisphere – everything west of the Prime Meridian for 180 degrees
Reading a MapTitle – tells you what kind of information
the map is showingKey – lists and explains the symbols, colors,
and lines used on the map. Sometimes called the legend.
Scale Bar – shows the relationship between map measurements and actual distances on the Earth.
Compass Rose – indicates directions
Cardinal directions – north, south, east and west
Intermediate directions – northeast, northwest, southeast and southwest
Cities – represented by a dotCapitals – often represented by a star
within a circleBoundary Lines – highlight the borders
between different countries and states
Using ScaleScale – a consistent proportional
relationship between the measurements shown on the map and measurement of the Earth’s surface.
Small – Scale maps – can show a large area but little detail
Large – Scale maps – can show a small areas with a great amount of detail
Physical MapsPhysical Maps – show the location and
shape of the earth’s physical featuresTopography – shape of the earth
Political MapsPolitical map – shows the boundaries and
location of political units such as countries, states, countries, cities and towns.
Many features on a political map are human made, or determined by humans rather than by nature.
Thematic MapsThematic Maps – maps that emphasize a
single idea or a particular kind of informationExamples: climate, vegetation , population,
economic activities. Qualitative Maps: use colors, symbols, lines of
dots to show information related to a specific idea. Often used to depict historical info.
Flow – Line Maps – Maps that illustrate of something, such as people, animals, goods, hurricanes, etc.
Geographic Information SystemsMost modern cartographers use software
programs called GIS to quickly and easily produce maps and change them.
The Elements of GeographyGeographers study the location of people
and places on Earth’s surface and the patterns in which they are arranged.
The World in Spatial TermsSpatial relationships – links people and
places have to one another because of their location
Site – specific location of a place, including it’s physical setting.
Situation – refers to the geographic position of a place in relation to other places and its connections to other regions.
Places and RegionsPlace – particular space with physical and
human meaning. Region – areas with similar characteristicsFormal Region – defined by a common
characteristic, such as a product produced there. Ex. Corn Belt
Functional Region – a central place and the surrounding area linked to it.
Perceptual Region – defined by popular feelings and images rather than by objective data. Ex. Heartland
Physical Systems and Human SystemsPhysical Geography – focuses on the study
of earth’s physical features. Human Geography – study of human
activities and their relationship to the cultural and physical environment
Ecosystem – a community of plants and animals that depend upon one another and their surroundings for survival
Movement – a recurring theme in geography tracking the movement of people, goods and ideas.
Environment and SocietyHuman Environment Interaction – study of
the relationship between people and their physical environment.
Geographers examine the ways people use their environment, how and why they change it, and what consequences result form these changes.
Research MethodsDirect Observation – observing the earth to
study the patterns of human activities that take place on its surface.
Mapping – show location, features, patterns and relationships of people, place and things.
Interviewing – choosing a paritcular group of people for study, asking questions.
Analyzing Statistics – some information geographers use is numerical and must be analyzed to find patterns and trends.
Using Technology – geographers often use scientific instruments in their work, including GIS.
Geography and Other SubjectsGeography is related to other subject areas
such as history and economics.
Past Environments and PoliticsGeographers use historical perspectives to
understand what places could have looked like in the past.
Geographers study political patterns to see how people in different places are governed.
Society and CultureGeographers seek to understand cultures
around the world. They study the relationships between
physical environment and social structures.
EconomiesGeographers study economics to
understand how the locations of resources affect the ways people make, transport and use goods.
Geographers are also interested in the interdependent of people's economic activities around the world.