APHUG 1.6 2

Question-and-answer flashcards covering map scale, projections, and geographic models.

What does a linear map scale express?

The distance on the map surface in relation to actual ground distance.

What does a ratio scale on a map show?

The mathematical relationship between a measured distance on the map and the corresponding real-world distance.

A map with a ratio of 1 : 50,000 is considered what type of scale?

A large-scale map.

A map with a ratio of 1 : 1,000,000 is considered what type of scale?

A small-scale map.

Compared with small-scale maps, what two characteristics do large-scale maps typically have?

They cover a smaller area and provide higher detail.

For what typical purposes are large-scale maps used?

Mapping cities, neighborhoods, or other small areas where detail is needed.

For what typical purposes are small-scale maps used?

Mapping larger areas such as states, countries, or continents where broad coverage is desired.

What are the two key concepts by which the accuracy of a map projection is judged?

Area preservation and shape preservation.

What do equal-area projections preserve and what do they distort?

They preserve relative area but distort the actual shape of polygons.

What do conformal projections preserve and what do they distort?

They preserve the shape of polygons but distort relative area from one part of the map to another.

How do the Robinson and Goode’s homolosine projections achieve a more practical world map?

By balancing both area and shape, sacrificing a bit of each to create a visually practical representation of Earth’s surface.

In geography, what is a model?

An abstract generalization of real-world geographies that share a common pattern.

What do spatial models attempt to show?

The commonalities in spatial patterns among similar landscapes.

What do urban models illustrate?

How different cities share similar spatial relationships and economic or social structures.

What distinguishes demographic transition models from spatial models?

They are non-spatial; they use population data to model national-scale population growth without reference to geographic space.