Tools of the Geographer
I. Maps & Globes
A. 2 or 3 dimensions
1. Globe- 3D
a. see the Earth as a whole
b. little distortion
c. impractical- not portable
2. Maps
a. very portable and can be drawn to any scale
b. a lot of distortion because the earth is round and when flattened, it doesn't look the same
1. distortion is reduced by using different sorts of maps
a. map projection: a way of drawing earth's surface that reduces distortion
c. types of maps
1. general reference (topographical) map: representation of natural and man-made
features on the earth
2. thematic maps: emphasizes specific kinds of information
3. navigation maps: maps that pilots and sailors use
B. how maps are made
1. surveying
a. observe, measure and record what's seen in a specific area
b. mostly done using satellites and aerial photography
c. info. gathered:
1. elevation
2. differences in land cover
3. variations in temperature
2. GPS
a. uses 24 satellites that beams the exact location to a hand held receiver
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