The Geographer’s Tools
The Geographer’s ToolsEratosthenes- calculated the
circumference of the earth around 255 B.C.
Geographer’s Tools: Maps and GlobesGlobe- a three-dimensional representation
of the earth◦A way to view the earth as it travels through
space◦Not always practical because they are not easily
portable Maps- two-dimensional graphic
representations of selected parts of the earth’s surface ◦Easily portable, can be drawn to any scale
needed◦Distortion occurs as the earth’s surface is
flattened to create the map
Geographer’s Tools: Maps and GlobesCartographer- a mapmakerMap projection- a way of drawing
Earth’s surface by presenting a round Earth on flat paper
Types of maps◦General reference maps, thematic
maps, and navigational maps
Who was the first person to calculate the circumference of the earth?
A. EmpedociesB. EratosthenesC. Protagoras
A globe is a two-dimensional graphic representation of selected parts of the earth’s surface.
A. TrueB. False
Mapmaking Surveying: observe, measure, and
record what is seen in a specific area (mostly done by aerial photography or by satellites)
Satellites- provide geographic date◦ Landsat: a series of satellites that orbit
more than 100 miles above Earth◦ Geostationary Operation Environment
Satellite (GOES): a weather satellite, flies in orbit in sync with Earth’s rotation
http://youtu.be/Ezn1ne2Fj6Y
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)A geographic information system
(GIS) lets us visualize, question, analyze, interpret, and understand data to reveal relationships, patterns, and trends
Global Positioning System (GPS)
Uses a series of satellites called Navstars, which beam information to the earth
The exact position-latitude, longitude, latitude, and time is then displayed on a hand-held receiver
http://youtu.be/fpPwMu3foGg
Geography SkillsFinding location
◦Magnetic compasses: introduced by the Chinese around the 1100s helped to accurately determine direction
◦Theodolite: a type of surveying instrument that precisely measures angles and distances on the earth
Geography SkillsScale: the relationship between
distance on a map and on the earth’s surface (a scale shows distance!)◦Small scale- shows a large area but
without much detail; used to see relative location in a region or between regions
◦Large scale- shows a small area with much more detail; used to see relative location within a region
Is this a large scale or small scale map?A. Small ScaleB. Large Scale
Geography Skills- Types of MapsPhysical Maps- maps that help
you see the types of landforms and bodies of water found in a specific area ◦Color, shading, or contour lines are
used to indicate elevation or altitude Political Maps-show features on
the earth’s surface that humans created◦May include cities, states, provinces,
territories, or countries
What type of map is this?
A. PoliticalB. Physical
Geography Skills-Types of MapsThematic Maps- focuses on
specific types of information◦Climate, vegetation, natural
resources, population density, and economic activities
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