Bell Ringer Draw a longitude line. Explain why the prime meridian and

meridian are two different lines. Why does Earth have more than one

pole? Why are cardinal directions a more

accurate way of giving directions?

Mapping the Earth’s Surface

Cartography – the science of map making.

Maps are Models of the Earth

A globe is the most accurate model of the Earth because it eliminates distortion.

Mapping the Earth’s Surface

What are some issues with mapping the Earth’s surface on a map?› Trying to put a 3d sphere on a 2d piece of

paper› Objects become distorted ex. Iceland

Map Projections All maps have some sort of distortion. Maps that show larger areas have more

distortion than maps that show a smaller area.

Map Projections Map projections are based on three

different shapes.› Cylinders› Cones› Planes

Mercator Projection Mercator Projection –a map projection

that is made by moving the surface features of the globe onto a cylinder.› Touches the globe at the equator but

distance between the map and globe increase as you move up in longitude.

Mercator Projection Longitude and Latitude are shown as

straight lines. Distance between two points are

shorter when using curved lines. Areas near the poles tend to look larger

than objects located along the equator.› Ex. Greenland and Africa

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuuluAq4TtU&feature=related

Mercator Projection

Conic Projection Conic Projection – a map projection

that is made by moving the surface features of the globe onto a cone.› No distortion along the line of latitude

where the globe touches the cone.› Used to map larger areas that have more

area east to west like the united states.

Gnomic Projection Gnomic Projection – a map projection

that is made by moving the surface features of the globe onto a plane.› Touches the globe at only one point.› Usually is used to map the poles.› Distortion of direction, distance, and shape increases as

you move away from the point of contact.

Robinson Projection Created in 1963 by Arthur Robinson Latitude projected as straight lines and

Longitude are projected as curved lines.

Robinson Projection Has Less distortion near the poles. Features within 45 degrees of the

equator are closer to their true dimensions.

Distance along each latitude lines are true but the scales change.

Output: Map ProjectionsMap Name Advantages Dis –

AdvantagesUses Drawing of

Map

Mercator

Conic

Gnomic

Robinson

Information on Maps Regardless of the type of map you are

using it should include some of the following the more of this information a map has the more accurate it will be.:(pg46)› Title › Compass rose› Scale› Legend› Date

Modern Mapmaking Remote Sensing – the

process of gathering and analyzing information about an object without physically being in touch with the object.› An Example of remote

sensing include: Taking pictures from

and Airplane Sophisticated

technology of Satellites

Geostationary Orbit A type of satellite

orbit that takes 24 hours to complete one orbit of the Earth.› Helps to identify

changing weather in a geographical location.

Polar Orbit A satellite orbits the

Earth from the North Pole to the South Pole.

Occurs every 90 minutes.

Weather satellites can observe the change in the world weather in 1 day.

Remote sensing using radar Radar is a tool that uses waves of energy

to map earth surfaces. Waves are sent from a satellite to the

area being observed and then sent back to the satellite.

The speed of the light that returns is measured and analyzed to create a picture.› Radar has the ability to move through clouds

and water.

Global Positioning System Global positioning system (GPS) – a

system of orbiting satellites that send radio signals to receivers on Earth.

GPS History› Invented in the 1970’s by the U.S.

Department of defense for military use.› GPS is now used by boaters, pilots, and car

drivers.

Geographic Information Systems Geographic

information System (GIS) – is a computerized system that allows a user to enter different types of information about an area.› This information can

then be used to make complex analyses or display maps.

End of Section 2.2