Human Geo Unit 1 Study Guide

What are the two purposes of maps?

Reference tools & communication

How did cartography develop over time?

Became more specific as we learned and discovered more on the glove instead of made-up information from before.

What words do geographers use to describe data in thematic maps?

Density and distribution

Distance-Decay

Theory that the interaction between two places decreases as the distance between them increases.

Relative Location example

Down the block from…

Relative distance example

5 minutes away from …

Why does the scale matter when it comes to interpreting data?

Different scales of analysis can show more detailed data.

What is the difference between reference maps and thematic maps?

Reference maps don’t show data and refer to general information.

Thematic maps show spacial aspects

Mercator Map purpose, strengths, and distortions

Purpose: Navigation

Strengths: Shape relatively accurate, directions are accurate

Distortions: Size near the poles

Gall-Peters Map purpose, strengths, and distortions

Purpose: Illustrating spatial distribution

Strengths: land masses are equal in size

Distortions: Stretches everything vertically

Conic Map purpose, strengths, and distortions

Purpose: regional mapping

Strengths: size and shape

Distortions: longitude lines converge only 1 pole & direction.

Robinson Map purpose, strengths, and distortion

Purpose: General use & education

Strengths: Easy to read, land massages accurate, no glaring distortion

Distortions: area, Shape, size, direction