lecture 1.1

map

two-dimensional model of the earth surface, or a portion of it

what are maps 2 purposes?

reference tools - show where something is found and how to get there

communication tools - depict the distribution of human activities/physical features 

cartography

the science of mapmaking

the first maps

• produced in ancient Babylon

• carved into clay tablets

• very limited

• parts were made up

Eratosthenes Map, 220 BC

• Mathematician who coined “geography”

• Calculated circumference of earth

• created the first world map

Ptolemys Map, 150 AD

• first map to use longitude and latitude

• compiled using information from traders

• used for 1000+ years

how have maps evolved?

• science and math developed

• mapmaking became more methodical and less artistic 

• exploration led to an increased understanding of the world 

what year did cartographers start using advanced technology to create detailed, accurate maps?

1960

remote sensing

the process of capturing images of Earth’s surface from airborne platforms such as satellites or airplanes

what is remote sensing used for

• studying land use patterns

• weather forecasting

• examining the impact of natural disasters

• etc

global positioning system

The system that accurately determines the precise position of something on Earth via satellites and receivers

what is GPS used for

• Used for navigation

• tracking position or location

• etc

Geographic Information System (GIS)

A computer system that captures, stores, analyzes, and displays geographic data. 

what is GIS used for

Used for tracking and managing geographic data to use in decision-making.

layers

Types of information (countries, bodies of water, names of places, etc.) displayed in a map. 

Mashups

The practice of combining layers on a map.

Qualitative Data

Data associated with a humanistic approach to geography. 

How is Qualitative Data found?

• surveys, interviews, observations, artifact analysis, etc.

• Describes open-ended questions

• Findings expressed narratively 

Quantitative Data

Data associated with mathematical models and statistical techniques. 

How is quantitative data found

• surveys, polls, questionnaires, etc.

• factual rather than debatable

• Findings expressed as statistical analysis 

Latitude

the distance north or south of the equator

Equator

an imaginary line that circles the globe exactly halfway between the poles (0 degrees)

Longitude

the distance east or west of the prime meridian 

prime meridian

an imaginary line that runs from pole to pole through Greenwich, England (0 degrees)

Map Key/Legend

An inset on a map that explains what the colors or symbols used mean and what the scale of the map is.

Map Scale

The ratio between the size of things in the real world and the size of things on a map —> Communicated as a ratio/fraction, written scale, or as a line. 

Toponym

the name given to a place on Earth

what is in a name?

• Can hint at the culture, language, and history of a place/people living there

• Essential for mapping/navigation 

• Help people form attachments

• Can be an assertion of power

  • Disputed toponyms reflect tensions

Relative Location

description of where something is in relation to other things

example of relative location

chicago is located west of lake Michigan and south of milwaukee

absolute location

the precise place where something is found (giving longitude and latitude)

Relative Distance

The distance between two points, measured using metrics like time, effort, or cost.

example of relative distance

the park is 5 minutes away

absolute distance

The distance between two points, communicated using precise quantitative units of measurement.  

example of absolute distance

the park is 0.4 miles away

relative direction

Direction based on a person’s surroundings and perception (left, right, forward, backward)

absolute direction

directions according to a compass (north, south, east, or west)

Density

How often or how much something occurs within a space.

Distribution

Where something occurs within a space (clustered or dispersed)

clustered distribution

When there is a high level of density and a low level of distribution.

dispersed distribution

When there is a low level of density due to a high level of distribution.

Distance Decay

The theory that the interaction (flow of goods, people) between two places decreases as the distance between them increases. 

Time-Space Compression

The reduction in the time it takes to diffuse something to a distant place, as the result of improved communication and transportation technologies.