1: Mapping Flashcards
1
Q
What are maps and are they reliable?
A
- Maps are visual representations of physical reality
- maps are not reliable because they are biased. The features depend on purpose and is influenced by author’s knowledge and choices
2
Q
What are the key features of a map
A
- title
- legend
- scale
- north arrow (compass)
3
Q
What is a scale
A
- a ratio
- Ex: 1:2500 means 1 unit on a map is 2500 of the same unit in the real world
4
Q
Types of maps
A
- geographic
- reference
- thematic
5
Q
Geographic maps
A
- represents the geography of a given area
- Ex: map of Golden, B.C.
6
Q
Reference Maps
A
- Maps of places
- Shows information about the natural world, as well as spatial phenomena like geopolitical divisions
- Ex: provincial/territorial map of Canada
- Topographic map: shows surface elevation using contour lines
- Planimetric map: shows a 2D, birds eye view of a specific location
7
Q
Thematic maps
A
- maps that show data rather than just places
- shows themed data associated with a geographic area
- Ex: Dot density map, proportional symbol map, choropleth, cartogram, flow map, density map
- Note: cartogram works only if audience knows what original map looks like. Flow map often for water
8
Q
What are the digital mapping systems
A
- Global positioning systems (GPS): satellites provide positional information to ground targets that is accurate to approx. 2m
* Ex: military and google maps - Geographic information systems (GIS): software systems sepcifically designed for storing and analyzing spatial data
* ArcGIS is the standard
* QGIS is the open source version
9
Q
Types of Coordinate Systems
A
- Geographic coordinate system: a numerical system used to pinpoint a location. Longtitude and latitude are the most common.
- Projected coordinate system: uses an x-coordinate and y-coordinate grid overlaying the earth to pinpoint a location
10
Q
What is longtitude and latitude
A
- Latitude: measured from the Equator (0 degrees), increasing as one moves either north or south (up to 90 degrees each in the northern and southern hemispheres). LAT is FLAT
- Longtitude: measured from Prime Meridian (0 degrees), with degrees increasing up to 180 degrees in each hemisphere as one moves from east or west
11
Q
How to write longtitude and latitude
A
Latitude: write as N if it is above equator and S if below equator. On y axis
Longtitude: write as W if it is to the left of the prime meridian and E if to the right. Round to closest quarter. On x axis
- both written in the order: degrees (basic unit, hours), minutes (‘), seconds (‘’)
- minutes and degrees increase moving north or west and decrease moving south or east
- coordinates are written in the order: latitude, longtitude
12
Q
What is the UTM
A
- Universal Transverse Mercator
- Every longtitude and latitude coordinate corresponds with a UTM zone, designated by a letter and a number
- The grids measure distances in metres, which makes this system easier to use accurately
- Alberta is in zone 12 U and 11U: Edmonton is in 12 U and Calgary is in 11 U
13
Q
Use of Maps in Archaeology
A
- locate and document sites, features, artifacts
- represent region, site, unit, artifacts
- perform spatial analyses
-analyze distribution or frequency of sites, artifacts, etc.
-create predictive models
14
Q
Site Maps
A
- could be created using GIS
- represents a small archaeology site
- has shovel test: if negative it is a white box and therefore did not contain an archaeological material. Black if it is positive
- red circle: protected area
15
Q
Sketch Maps
A
- drawn by archaeologists in the field
- used to record the location of features, artifacts, units in relation to each other
- they need to be drawn quickly but still be accurate
- most common type are unit plan views
- can be an entire site or part of a site
