Introduction to Maps

These flashcards cover key concepts related to types of maps, spatial patterns, and map projections as discussed in the lecture on maps.

Reference Maps

Maps that provide general information, navigation, and location, such as political, physical, and road maps.

Thematic Maps

Maps that communicate specific information about a place, including spatial aspects like choropleth, dot-density, and graduated/proportional symbol maps.

Choropleth Maps

Maps that use various colors, shades, or patterns to show the location and distribution of spatial data.

Dot-Density Maps

Maps where each dot represents a specified quantity of a spatial characteristic.

Graduated/Proportional Symbol Maps

Maps that use symbols of different sizes to indicate different amounts of a variable.

Cartogram

A map in which the sizes of countries are shown according to a specific variable, with areas distorted to reflect that variable.

Isoline Maps

Maps that use lines to connect points of equal value, depicting variations in data across space.

Topographic Maps

Maps that show elevation through textured areas and lines indicating distance between elevation changes.

Absolute Location

A precise location indicated by coordinates like latitude and longitude.

Relative Location

A location described in relation to another place, using terms such as 'near' or 'south of'.

Absolute Distance

A measurable distance expressed in exact terms, such as miles or kilometers.

Relative Distance

Distance described in relation to perceptual terms or map scale, showing how far objects are from one another.

Clustering

The spatial pattern where objects are close together in a defined area.

Dispersal/Distribution

The spatial arrangement where objects are spread out over an area.

Map Projections

The process of representing the curved surface of the earth on a flat map, often causing distortions.

Distortion Factors in Maps

Maps distort shape, area, distance, and direction based on the type of projection used.

Mercator Projection

A map projection that preserves direction but distorts area, particularly near the poles.

Peters Projection

A map projection that reflects true land area but distorts shapes, often used to address political and social biases.

Robinson Projection

A map projection that minimizes distortions across multiple aspects, used for general purposes and global awareness.