Geographers Tools: Maps and their Parts

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MP MKIG Geographers Tools: Maps and their Parts Prof. nthony Grande Hunter ollege Geography Lecture design, content and presentation FG 0616.

1 MP MKIG Geographers Tools: Maps and their Parts Prof. nthony Grande Hunter ollege Geography Lecture design, content and presentation FG Individual images and illustrations may be subject to prior copyright. PROLEM: How do we transfer information about the 3- Planet Earth onto a smaller 2- object without distorting that information? The mapmaker must deal with 3 obstacles: 1. onversion of a sphere (curved surface) to a plane (flat surface). 2. Shrinking of the earth s surface to fit the smaller object. 3. Portrayal of information to make it understandable. 2 MP MKIG The mapmaker deals with them by using: 1. PROJETIO to convert a sphere to a flat surface. 2. SLE to shrink the earth s surface proportionally to fit the object. 3. SYMOLIZTIO to portray information and make it understandable. MP PROJETIOS Only a globe can portray the earth s surface without distortion. Only a globe can show true shape true relative area true distance true direction ny flat map will sacrifice 1 or 2 or 3 or all 4 advantages of a globe. map cannot show more than three advantages at any one time! 3 4 MP PROJETIOS map projection is a representation of the 3- earth s grid on a flat surface. Each of these projections has a combination of unique characteristics to show shape, relative area, distance and direction. MP PROJETIOS The basic concept behind a map projection is having a light source within the globe and having that light source project the earth s grid on to a flat object. However, most currently used map projections are mathematically derived and cannot be projected

Geometrical Map Projections Map istortion ll maps

OTE: In the illustrations the circles and

ylindrical onical Planar If the globe is wrapped in

7 8 YLIRIL PROJETIO OIL PROJETIO In this projection

In this projection the lines of longitude are

Least distortion in the mid-latitudes 9 10 PLR

projection a plane (flat sheet) is placed tangent

Least distortion in the center of the map but

2 Geometrical Map Projections Map istortion ll maps distort shape in some way. OTE: In the illustrations the circles and shape-ofhead diagrams are used to show distortion. ylindrical onical Planar If the globe is wrapped in a cylinder, a cylindrical projection is created. cone creates a conical projection. plane (flat sheet) creates a planar projection. 7 8 YLIRIL PROJETIO OIL PROJETIO In this projection the lines of longitude are too close at the poles. In this projection the lines of longitude are parallel! annot show the polar regions. Star illustrates areas of distortion. Lines of longitude are too far apart at the equator. Least distortion in the mid-latitudes 9 10 PLR PROJETIO Goode s Homolosine Projection In this projection a plane (flat sheet) is placed tangent to the globe. Used mainly for polar areas. Least distortion in the center of the map but perimeter areas are stretched. mathematically derived projection providing the illusion of a peeled orange. Its classification is interrupted projection

Other Interrupted Projections SLE Peeled globe designs Scale is a RTIO.

distance on the earth s surface (map to earth).

bar c) FRTIO/Ratio: as a mathematical equation Scale can be designated

Small scale: SLE Shows greater area but in less detail.

) 15 16 Small scale Large area, little detail Small Scale vs.

3 Other Interrupted Projections SLE Peeled globe designs Scale is a RTIO. It is the relationship between distance on the map and the equivalent distance on the earth s surface (map to earth). Scale is a means of measurement. Scale influences detail (symbolization). There are 3 ways to show scale Showing Scale a) VERL/Written: in words b) GRPHI/ar: as a line or bar c) FRTIO/Ratio: as a mathematical equation Scale can be designated large or small. Large scale: Shows greater detail but less of an area. Small scale: SLE Shows greater area but in less detail. ( globe is a small scale map.) Small scale Large area, little detail Small Scale vs. Large Scale Large scale Small area, great detail Effect of Scale on ETIL Same size squares but each square shows different total surface area and different detail. ote that each shaded box (a, b, c, d) fits into the next one. Map 18 3

SYMOLIZTIO Maps and Symbolization Symbolization is the

Ideal maps should have the following seven elements: 1.

Standardization makes it easier to read and interpret maps.

overlays to indicate features of the physical and cultural

22 IRETIO Southern Hemisphere Every map needs to have an

west. This can be done with a compass arrow, marking of

4 SYMOLIZTIO Maps and Symbolization Symbolization is the portrayal of information. Ideal maps should have the following seven elements: 1. Title 2. ate 3. Grid 4. irection 5. Scale 6. Projection used 7. Legend or key The reader must know what the shapes, colors, patterns and sizes mean. Map Symbols: The Legend or Key STRIZTIO of SYMOLS Standardization makes it easier to read and interpret maps. USGS topographic maps use standardized colors, symbols and overlays to indicate features of the physical and cultural landscapes. 22 IRETIO Southern Hemisphere Every map needs to have an indication of major compass points: north, south, east and west. This can be done with a compass arrow, marking of lines of latitude and longitude and/or indication of quadrant. Where is north on this map? Which way is north? y following the meridians of longitude away from the South Pole, you will eventually end at the orth Pole. + South Pole

25 26 World Map World Map What is wrong with this

5 Which way is orth? This way is orth!! E F West orth Pole E East F Must always follow lines of latitude and longitude to ascertain direction World Map World Map What is wrong with this map? What is wrong with this map? Pacific Ocean entered World Map World Map entered on ustralia E X T TYPES of MPS 29 5

First Exam: New Date. 6 Geographers Tools Maps and their Parts 9/14/2017 MAP MAKING MAP MAKING MAP PROJECTIONS MAP PROJECTIONS

First Exam: New Date. 6 Geographers Tools Maps and their Parts 9/14/2017 MAP MAKING MAP MAKING MAP PROJECTIONS MAP PROJECTIONS 6 Geographers Tools Maps and their Parts Prof. nthony Grande Hunter ollege Geography Lecture design, content and presentation FG 0917. Individual images and illustrations may be subject to prior copyright.