Unit 3: Maps, Climate, and Scales

Flashcards cover weather and climate maps, types of maps (physical/relief, geological, political, choropleth), population density, and map scales.

What information do weather maps provide?

Weather conditions and forecasts.

What is a climate map?

A map showing climate patterns such as rainfall distribution, with zones in different colours and separated by isohyets.

What is an isohyet?

A line connecting areas that receive the same amount of rainfall.

How are rainfall patterns represented on climate maps?

Areas with similar rainfall are shown as distinct colour zones, separated by isohyets.

What is the general purpose of maps?

To store information about the Earth's surface and show general or specific details using symbols.

Name some types of information maps can show.

Physical features, population density, city layout, economic activities, and land use.

What is a physical (relief) map?

A map showing physical features such as mountains, rivers, lakes, soils, and vegetation.

What is a geological map?

A map showing the distribution of rocks and rock types.

What is a political map?

A map showing administrative boundaries of countries or regions within a country.

What is a choropleth map?

A map that shows density or value (e.g., population density) using shading or colours.

What does a population density map illustrate?

Concentrations of people per unit area.

What is a large-scale map?

A map with a large scale that covers a small area in great detail (e.g., roads and buildings).

What is a small-scale map?

A map with a small scale that covers a large area with fewer details.

What is map scale?

The relationship between distances on a map and actual distances on the ground; expressed as RF or linear scale.

How can map scales be expressed?

As a representative fraction (e.g., 1:50 000); as 1 cm : 50 000 cm; or as a linear scale.

Why do map makers choose different scales?

To provide the appropriate amount of detail for the area and purpose being represented.