Geog 1 - Scale, GPS systems, Maps, and Projections

Week 1

Map

Generalized view of an area, usually a portion of earth’s area

Cartography

The science and art of mapmaking

Scale

It relates the size of a unit on the map to the size of a similar unit on the ground

Representative Fraction

expressed with a colon or slash but no unit of mesure is mentioned because any unit is applicable as long as both parts of the fraction are in the same unit

Graphic/Bar Scale

Bar graph with units to allow measurements of distances on the map

What are the sizes of maps?

Small, medium, and large

Small Scale Maps

Greater area in less detail

Large Scale Map

Smaller area in more detail

Map Projection

Reduction of the Earth to a flat surface

Equal Area

The equivalence of all areas on the surface of the map but distorts shape

Ture Shape

Showing the correct configuration of coastlines but distorts areal relationships

Standard Line/Point

The only place where all globe properties are restored

Standard Parallel/Meridian

Standard line true to scale along its entire length without any distortion

Mercator Projection