how do geographers describe where things are?
DESCRIPTION
Maps and Modern tools. How Do Geographers Describe Where Things Are?. Patterns. Geographers look for patterns. . Patterns. When they find similarities or differences between places, they ask why. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
How Do Geographers Describe Where Things Are?
Maps and Modern tools
Patterns
Geographers look for patterns.
Patterns
When they find similarities or differences between places, they ask why.
In order to explain these differences, geographers must have tools to help answer WHERE something is.
Geographic Concepts and Models
Cartography Definition: The science
of map-making
Two reasons to use maps: As a reference tool (to
keep us from getting lost)
As a communications tool (to explain where something is distributed)
Map Scales
Measured in three ways: Ratio (ex. 1
inch=25,000 inches)
Written Scale (ex. 1 inch=50 miles)
Graphic Scale (ex. bar line – see picture on left)
Map Projection
Projection – Transferring locations on Earth’s surface to a flat map
http://www.1worldglobes.com/images/Globes/Discovery-Globe-thumb.jpg
Projection
Can be difficult, as most maps are distorted (sphere vs. flat paper)
BUT…globes aren’t portable or practical
Projection cont’d
4 types of distortions Shape Distance (Between
two points) Relative size (may
appear larger or smaller than it actually is)
Direction (from one place to another) C:\Users\stevensaa\Desktop\
mirror_distortion_1_th[1].gif
Satellite-Based Maps GPS – Global
Positioning System Determines the
precise position of areas on Earth
3 Elements: Numerous satellites
(remote sensing) Tracking stations
(controls the satellites) Receiver (used to
pinpoint location) http://www.nist.gov/pml/div688/grp40/images/GPS_Constellation_2.gif
Satellite cont’d
GIS – Geographic Information System) Computer system
that can capture, store, analyze, and display geographic data
More accurate Can show
relationships between different kinds of information
http://gothamist.com/attachments/jake/2006_6_bestofmap1.jpg