The Geographer’s Tools

1. The Geographer’s Tools

2. Maps and Globes • A geographer’s tools: • Maps • Globes • Data that can be displayed in a variety of ways. • Oldest known map: Babylonian clay tablet, circa 500 B.C.

3. Maps and Globes • A map’s function: • To show locations of places, landforms, and bodies of water, and where they are in relation to other parts of the earth.

4. Two or Three Dimensions Map— a two-dimensional graphic representation of Earth’s surface • Globe— athree-dimensional representation (a sphere) of Earth • Most accurate replication of Earth • Globes can show the "Great Circle Route" - the shortest distance between any two points on the earth's surface

5. Cartography Cartographers are mapmakers. They draw and create different types of map projections.

6. Map Projection Cartographers attempt to transfer the earth- a round, spherical globe- to flat paper. Areas, angles, directions, shapes and distances can become distorted when transferred from a curved surface to a flat plane

7. Mercator Projection • The best know map projection is named for its inventor, Gerardus Mercator, who developed it in 1569 • Primarily used by sailors for navigation.

9. Robinson Projection • Was a compromise projection developed by Arthur Robinson, a leading educator in cartography • This projection shows the whole earth uninterrupted with reasonable shapes

10. Types of Maps There are three main types of maps: 1) Physical Map 2) Political Map 3) Thematic Map

11. Physical Maps Physical maps help you see the types of landforms and bodies of water found in specific area. Color, shading, or contour lines are used to indicate elevation or altitude.

12. Political Maps Political maps show political boundaries on earth’s surface that humans created. Included on a political map may be cities, states, provinces, territories, or countries.

13. Thematic Maps Geographers also rely on thematic maps, which focus on specific types of information such as climate, vegetation, natural resources, population density, and economic activities.

14. Other Thematic Maps Flow-Line Maps Cartograms

15. Cartographer Assignment • Draw a map showing two locations at least 5 miles apart. Such as your home and NPHS. • Must include all the following: • Title • Labels • Legend • Compass Rose • Latitude/Longitude • Scale (ex: 1 inch = 1 mile) • Symbols (minimum of 12) • Full Color

16. The Science of Mapmaking Best known satellites are Landsat and GOES Landsat is a series of satellites; can scan entire planet in 16 days

18. The Science of Mapmaking • Geostationary Operational Environment Satellite (GOES): • Orbits in sync with Earth’s rotation • Gathers images of atmospheric conditions

20. The Science of Mapmaking • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a digital geographic database • Combines and displays information from many sources

24. The Science of Mapmaking Global Positioning System (GPS):Uses series of 24 Navstar satellites to beam information to Earth - Hand-held GPS receivers on Earth display exact position - GPS used by explorers, sailors, drivers; also used to track animals