Geographic Inquiry: Maps and Scales

This set of flashcards covers the fundamental concepts of geographic inquiry, including map definitions, historical development, components, and scale measurements.

Map

A simplified, diminished, plain representation of all or part of the earth’s surface as viewed vertically from above.

Bird’s-eye view

A view of the earth's surface as if it were seen from directly above.

Traditional map-making

An ancient art using materials such as sticks, shells, clay tablets, parchment, paper, and solid plates of silver.

Modern map-making

Map production rooted in the 17th century that utilizes science and technology, including aerial photography, satellite imagery, and computers.

Title

A map component that tells the reader "what," "where," and possibly "when" about the map to identify its purpose.

Scale

The ratio or proportion of the distance and areas shown on the map to the corresponding distance and area on the earth’s surface.

Direction arrow

A symbol, usually pointing North at the top of the map, used to show orientation.

Grid reference

A coordinate system using parallels of latitude and meridians of longitude to place an area in its proper geographical location.

Legend

Also known as a key, it explains the meaning of the signs and symbols used by the cartographer on the map.

Large-scale maps

Maps showing a smaller geographic area with greater detail, with scales greater than or equal to $1:50,000$.

Medium-scale maps

Maps prepared with scales that range between $1:50,000$ and $1:250,000$.

Small-scale maps

Maps showing a larger geographic area with less detail, with scales less than or equal to $1:250,000$.

Scale Statement

A technique where the scale is expressed in words, such as "One centimeter to one kilometer."

Representative Fraction

A map scale expressed as a ratio or fraction, such as $1:400,000$ or $\frac{1}{400,000}$.

Graphic Scale

Also called a bar or linear scale, it is a line subdivided into units appropriate to the scale of the map.

Map distance (MD)

The straight-line air distance obtained through measurements on maps, typically expressed in $cm$..

Ground Distance (GD)

The actual distance on the earth's surface calculated using the map scale, typically expressed in $km$ or $meter$.

Bending line curve

The distance along curved features such as roads, railways, rivers, and coastal lines.

Planimeter

An instrument used to obtain accurate areas of both regular and irregular shaped features from maps.

Grid Square method

A manual method for calculating the area of irregular shapes by drawing and counting grid squares over the feature.