1.02 notes- maps and geographic data

maps are used to store and communicate info

• characteristics: purpose, complexity, area, data

• purpose of map, basic elements (title/toponyms), physical or human features, audience, what is assumed, projection/distortion/scale, colors/symbols representation, location produced, original/reliable source, historical context

• cognitive map- “mind map” up to interpretation

• reference map- political or physical features related to human

• thematic map- illustrates one of more characteristics in an area

• cartogram map- space to show data used comparatively

• choropleth map- uses color to indicate characteristics

• dot map- uses dots/points to show location of a phenomenon

• flow line map- arrows uses to indicate direction and number of units moving, widths indicate amount

• proportional symbol map- size of symbol indicates extent

• visualization map- uses software 3D of Earth’s surface

spatial patterns

• absolute/relative distance, direction, clustering, dispersal, elevation

projections

• planar/azimuthal- shows Earth from a central point to any other point, distorts size and shape

• conical- cone over Earth, accurate shape, distorts edges

• cylindrical- using cylindrical surface, distorts shape, poles/equator (common projections: Mercator, Robinson, homolosine projection)

historical perspective- reflects understanding of the world at a time

cultural bias- central focus on one area

personal bias- often political

remote sensing- uses satellites to show agricultural practices or city growth

GIS- users store/display/retrieve data about an area geographers can place layers of data on a map, detailed info of an area for viewers to analyze to determine what to put where (stores, houses)

GPS- satellites and receivers that transmit signals that identify the precise position of an object on Earth, provides info to find objects or navigate