unit 1: methods of geographic inquiry

Unit 1: Methods of Unit 1: Methods of Geographic InquiryGeographic Inquiry

A geographer’s basic A geographer’s basic tools!tools!

Maps and GlobesMaps and Globes

Introductory VideoIntroductory Video http://videos.howstuffworks.comhttp://videos.howstuffworks.com/hsw/8402-basics-of-geography-i/hsw/8402-basics-of-geography-ii-maps-and-globes-video.htmi-maps-and-globes-video.htm

Map ProjectionsMap Projections

• Because the earth is a sphere, the only Because the earth is a sphere, the only true true way to represent the earth is with a ball or way to represent the earth is with a ball or sphere. To fully represent the earth, sphere. To fully represent the earth, geographers and scientists alike have created geographers and scientists alike have created the the globe.globe.

• Imagine yourself as a tourist in New York City. Imagine yourself as a tourist in New York City. Wouldn’t it be difficult to walk around 45Wouldn’t it be difficult to walk around 45 thth Street Street with a globe in your back pocket?with a globe in your back pocket?

• Therefore, geographers created maps!Therefore, geographers created maps!


• When features of a globe (or the earth) are When features of a globe (or the earth) are transferred to a flat surface, ie: a piece of transferred to a flat surface, ie: a piece of paper of computer monitor, paper of computer monitor, a map a map projectionprojection is created. is created.

• There are several ways to transfer the 3-There are several ways to transfer the 3-Dimensional shapes to a 2-Dimensional Dimensional shapes to a 2-Dimensional surfacesurface


• When a map projection is created, however, When a map projection is created, however, there is there is distortiondistortion that occurs that occurs

• Distortion occurs in the shape and size of the Distortion occurs in the shape and size of the natural featuresnatural features

• Because we are transferring the natural features Because we are transferring the natural features to a 2D surface, we have to stretch or compress to a 2D surface, we have to stretch or compress some of those natural features.some of those natural features.

Types of Map ProjectionsTypes of Map Projections Cylindrical Projection: Cylindrical Projection: A cylindrical projection map is the most A cylindrical projection map is the most

common type of map that we see. Imagine placing the movie common type of map that we see. Imagine placing the movie screen around the globe in a cylinder shape. The projection that screen around the globe in a cylinder shape. The projection that results is depicted in this image. Notice that areas close to the results is depicted in this image. Notice that areas close to the equator have very little distortion. However, the closer to the poles equator have very little distortion. However, the closer to the poles that one travels, the more distorted that the map becomes. In this that one travels, the more distorted that the map becomes. In this example, Greenland appears to be many times larger than it really example, Greenland appears to be many times larger than it really is.is.

QuickTime™ and aTIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

Types of Map ProjectionsTypes of Map Projections Conic Projection: Conic Projection: A conic projection map is created by A conic projection map is created by

placing a cone shaped screen on a globe. The resulting placing a cone shaped screen on a globe. The resulting projection is more accurate than the cylindrical projection projection is more accurate than the cylindrical projection map discussed above. However, the further we travel map discussed above. However, the further we travel down the map, the more distorted, and less accurate the down the map, the more distorted, and less accurate the map becomes.map becomes.



Types of Map ProjectionsTypes of Map Projections

Plane Projection: Plane Projection: A plane projection is A plane projection is created by placing an imaginary screen created by placing an imaginary screen directly above, or below a globe. The directly above, or below a globe. The image that would result is called a plane image that would result is called a plane projection. This type of map projection is projection. This type of map projection is not commonly used.not commonly used.



Types of Map ProjectionsTypes of Map Projections

Interrupted Projection: Interrupted Projection: There are many different types of There are many different types of interrupted projection maps. These types of maps try to interrupted projection maps. These types of maps try to depict the continents as accurately as possible by depict the continents as accurately as possible by leaving blank space in the less important areas of the leaving blank space in the less important areas of the map, such as in the oceans. map, such as in the oceans.



Types of Map ProjectionsTypes of Map Projections• The most commonly used map is the The most commonly used map is the

Mercator MapMercator Map• developed by Gerardus Mercator, a developed by Gerardus Mercator, a

Flemish mapmaker, in 1569Flemish mapmaker, in 1569



Map ProjectionMap Projection

Take the oranges on the right. If we were to draw a triangle on the oranges and then peel the orange. From the peels we would then flatten them as best as possible. What would the triangle look like?

Mercator Map ProjectionMercator Map Projection

In the Mercator Map ProjectionIn the Mercator Map Projection• angles are preservedangles are preserved• distances away from the equator become distances away from the equator become

progressively distorted. progressively distorted. • South America (land mass) is actually nine South America (land mass) is actually nine

times as big as Greenlandtimes as big as Greenland• But how does South America compare to But how does South America compare to

Greenland on the Mercator Map?Greenland on the Mercator Map?

Mercator Map ProjectionMercator Map Projection



Mercator Map ProjectionMercator Map Projection The Mercator projection is called The Mercator projection is called Conformal.Conformal. A projection A projection

is conformal if the angles in the original features are is conformal if the angles in the original features are preserved. preserved.

Over small areas the shapes of objects will be Over small areas the shapes of objects will be preserved. preserved.

A line drawn with constant orientation (e.g. with respect A line drawn with constant orientation (e.g. with respect to north) will be straight on a conformal projection (a to north) will be straight on a conformal projection (a thumb line). thumb line).

Parallels and meridians cross each other at right angles Parallels and meridians cross each other at right angles (note: not all projections with this appearance are (note: not all projections with this appearance are conformal). conformal).

Generally, areas near margins have a larger scale than Generally, areas near margins have a larger scale than areas near the center (i.e. Greenland in Mercator areas near the center (i.e. Greenland in Mercator projection).projection).

Mercator Map ProjectionMercator Map Projection• The Mercator map has always been a poor The Mercator map has always been a poor

projection for a world map.projection for a world map.• Because it was based on a rectangular grid, the Because it was based on a rectangular grid, the

average person found it easy to read and found average person found it easy to read and found it useful for wall maps, atlas maps, and maps in it useful for wall maps, atlas maps, and maps in books.books.

• It became the standard map projection in the It became the standard map projection in the mental map of most westerners. mental map of most westerners.

• The argument for using the Mercator projection The argument for using the Mercator projection was the "advantage for colonial powers" by was the "advantage for colonial powers" by making Europe look a lot larger than it actually is making Europe look a lot larger than it actually is on the globe.on the globe.

Mercator Map Projection VideoMercator Map Projection Video

• Lets take a look at how Mercator made his Lets take a look at how Mercator made his mapsmaps

• http://videos.howstuffworks.com/hsw/8607http://videos.howstuffworks.com/hsw/8607-geography-basics-methods-for-making-m-geography-basics-methods-for-making-maps-video.htm#aps-video.htm#

Maps:Maps:A geographer’s best friend!A geographer’s best friend!

MapsMaps

What is a map?What is a map?• A map is a drawing or image of the earth’s A map is a drawing or image of the earth’s

surface drawn on a flat surface.surface drawn on a flat surface.• Maps use symbols and colours to represent Maps use symbols and colours to represent

the features of an areathe features of an area• A map can be hand drawn or computer drawnA map can be hand drawn or computer drawn• http://videos.howstuffworks.com/hsw/17320-ghttp://videos.howstuffworks.com/hsw/17320-g

eography-basics-maps-video.htmeography-basics-maps-video.htm

Map of CanadaMap of Canada

Creating MapsCreating Maps

All maps should be drawn for a purpose, All maps should be drawn for a purpose, such as:such as:• to provide direction from A to B or toto provide direction from A to B or to• provide information on a specific topic.provide information on a specific topic.

Specifics for topics can include:Specifics for topics can include:• Listing capital cities of provinces/territoriesListing capital cities of provinces/territories• Describing the amount of rainfall in different parts of the Describing the amount of rainfall in different parts of the

countrycountry

Rainfall Map of the United States of Rainfall Map of the United States of AmericaAmerica


Great care should be taken when creating Great care should be taken when creating a map. a map. • Maps should be drawn neatly and it is best to Maps should be drawn neatly and it is best to

draw lightly in pencil and then to go over in ink draw lightly in pencil and then to go over in ink when necessary. when necessary.


• When placing text on maps, it is best to When placing text on maps, it is best to print the words. print the words.

• When using colour, it is very important that When using colour, it is very important that you chose the correct colour to show you chose the correct colour to show different features.different features.

Features of Maps - ColoursFeatures of Maps - Colours

On Maps, the colours chosen are very On Maps, the colours chosen are very important! Generally:important! Generally:• roads and trails are brownroads and trails are brown• parks are green parks are green • water ways (lakes and rivers) are bluewater ways (lakes and rivers) are blue• roads are usually blackroads are usually black• highways are usually red or orangehighways are usually red or orange• text such as city labels are in blacktext such as city labels are in black

Features of a Map - ElementsFeatures of a Map - Elements

• When creating a map, there are some features When creating a map, there are some features that that mustmust be included on all maps. be included on all maps.

• What do you see on the following map?What do you see on the following map?

Map of Ontario

Features of a MapFeatures of a Map

TitleTitle• Provides a clear description of:Provides a clear description of:

the area the map it is representing and the area the map it is representing and what information is presented (Example: Road what information is presented (Example: Road

Map of Ontario).Map of Ontario). tell the reader what the map is used for.tell the reader what the map is used for.

• The title should be short and descriptive.The title should be short and descriptive.• Should be placed in an appropriate location Should be placed in an appropriate location

(top and centre).(top and centre).• Should be neat and printed in dark inkShould be neat and printed in dark ink..


BorderBorder• All of the information and All of the information and features the map is showing should features the map is showing should be contained within the border.be contained within the border.

• Should be drawn neatly with a Should be drawn neatly with a ruler in dark ink.ruler in dark ink.


North ArrowNorth Arrow• Provides the reader a reference as per the Provides the reader a reference as per the

direction on the map.direction on the map.

• Should be drawn neatly with a ruler in dark ink Should be drawn neatly with a ruler in dark ink within the border.within the border.


SourceSource• The author of a map is called a cartographer. The author of a map is called a cartographer.

• The person/people/company or organization The person/people/company or organization

that created the map should be provided.that created the map should be provided.


DateDate• The date when the map was produced should The date when the map was produced should

be displayed.be displayed.


ScaleScale• The scale provides the map reader with a The scale provides the map reader with a

method of measuring distances on the map method of measuring distances on the map with actual distances in real life.with actual distances in real life.


LegendLegend• The legend provides the map reader with an The legend provides the map reader with an

understanding of the various symbols that are understanding of the various symbols that are used on the map.used on the map.

• The symbols chosen should accurately reflect The symbols chosen should accurately reflect the feature that is being represented.the feature that is being represented.

Types of MapsTypes of Maps

There are several types of maps. Each show There are several types of maps. Each show different information. The type of map a reader different information. The type of map a reader uses depends on what information he/she is uses depends on what information he/she is trying to gathertrying to gather

Generally speaking, map are categorized into Generally speaking, map are categorized into three three categoriescategories::

1.1. General Purpose MapsGeneral Purpose Maps2.2. Topographic MapsTopographic Maps3.3. Thematic MapsThematic Maps


1.1. General PurposeGeneral Purpose

• Provides many types of information on one Provides many types of information on one map.map.

• Most atlases, wall maps and road maps fall Most atlases, wall maps and road maps fall into this category.into this category.

• Provides a broad understanding of the Provides a broad understanding of the location and features of an area.location and features of an area.

General Purpose MapsGeneral Purpose Maps


2.2. Topographic MapsTopographic Maps

• Uses symbols to show a variety of features on the Uses symbols to show a variety of features on the earth’s surface.earth’s surface.

• They are used to examine a small area of the earths They are used to examine a small area of the earths surface in great detail.surface in great detail.

• Include contour lines to show the shape and elevation Include contour lines to show the shape and elevation of an area. of an area.

• Lines that are close together indicate steep terrain, Lines that are close together indicate steep terrain, and lines that are far apart indicate flat terrain.and lines that are far apart indicate flat terrain.

Topographic MapTopographic Map


3.3. Thematic MapsThematic Maps

• Provide very specific information about a place on Provide very specific information about a place on one particular topic.one particular topic.

• Because only one topic is presented, these maps are Because only one topic is presented, these maps are relatively easy to read and understand.relatively easy to read and understand.

• May includeMay include Climatic, Resource, Economic or Political information.Climatic, Resource, Economic or Political information.

Types of Thematic MapsTypes of Thematic Maps Climate maps Climate maps

• Give general information about the climate; temperature and Give general information about the climate; temperature and precipitation (rain and snow) of a region.precipitation (rain and snow) of a region.

• Cartographers, or mapmakers, use colors to show different Cartographers, or mapmakers, use colors to show different climate or precipitation zonesclimate or precipitation zones

Economic maps Economic maps • Cartographers use symbols to show the locations of economic Cartographers use symbols to show the locations of economic

activity activity • For example, symbols (shovels) on a map of Ontario tell you For example, symbols (shovels) on a map of Ontario tell you

where mining occurs.where mining occurs.


Political maps Political maps • Do not show physical features. Do not show physical features. • Instead, they indicate state and national boundaries and capital Instead, they indicate state and national boundaries and capital

and major cities. and major cities. • A capital city is usually marked with a star within a circle. A capital city is usually marked with a star within a circle.

Resource maps Resource maps • Feature the type of natural resources or economic activity that Feature the type of natural resources or economic activity that

dominates an area.dominates an area.• For example a map showing the different type of trees in For example a map showing the different type of trees in

Northern OntarioNorthern Ontario

Thematic MapThematic Map

HomeworkHomework• Textbook - page 26 #1, 2,5, 6, 7, 8, 11

• Lab Assignment Sheet - handout

Due Date: Thursday, February 24, 2011

unit 1: methods of geographic inquiry

Documents

cylindrical projection

type of map projection

conic projection map

used map

map projectiontake

mercator map projectionin

mercator map projectionangles

types of map projectionsthe