How Do Geographers Describe Where Things Are?

Maps and Modern tools

Patterns

Geographers look for patterns.

Patterns

When they find similarities or differences between places, they ask why.

In order to explain these differences, geographers must have tools to help answer WHERE something is.

Geographic Concepts and Models

Cartography

Definition: The science of map-making

Two reasons to use maps: As a reference tool (to

keep us from getting lost)

As a communications tool (to explain where something is distributed)

Map Scales

Measured in three ways: Ratio (ex. 1

inch=25,000 inches)

Written Scale (ex. 1 inch=50 miles)

Graphic Scale (ex. bar line – see picture on left)

Map Projection

Projection – Transferring locations on Earth’s surface to a flat map

http://www.1worldglobes.com/images/Globes/Discovery-Globe-thumb.jpg

Projection

Can be difficult, as most maps are distorted (sphere vs. flat paper)

BUT…globes aren’t portable or practical

Projection cont’d

4 types of distortions Shape Distance (Between

two points) Relative size (may

appear larger or smaller than it actually is)

Direction (from one place to another) C:\Users\stevensaa\Desktop\

mirror_distortion_1_th[1].gif

Satellite-Based Maps

GPS – Global Positioning System

Determines the precise position of areas on Earth

3 Elements: Numerous satellites

(remote sensing) Tracking stations

(controls the satellites) Receiver (used to

pinpoint location) http://www.nist.gov/pml/div688/grp40/images/GPS_Constellation_2.gif

Satellite cont’d

GIS – Geographic Information System) Computer system

that can capture, store, analyze, and display geographic data

More accurate Can show

relationships between different kinds of information

http://gothamist.com/attachments/jake/2006_6_bestofmap1.jpg