Ch. 2 Flashcards
map
a flat representation of Earth, shown in a reduced sure with only selected features or data showing. they can show distance, direction, size and shape in their horizontal spacial relations
thematic map
maps that have a special purpose, usually to show the distribution of one or more phenomena
map scale
describes the relationship between distance measured on the map and the actual distance that represents on earths surface. this can never be perfectly accurate because of the curve of the earth and the flatness of a map
graphic map scale
uses a line marked off in distances to represent actual distance on earths surface
fractional map scales
coney the relationship between distance measured on a map and the actual distance that represents on Earth with a fraction of ratio called a representative fraction
verbal map scales
states in words the relationships between the distance on the map and the actual distance on Earths surface
map projection
a system in which the spherical surface of Earth is transformed for display on a flat surface
equivalent map projection
the correct size ratio of area on the map to the corresponding actual area on earths surface is maintained
conformal map projection
one in which proper angular relationships are maintained across the entire map so that the shapes of features such as coast lines are the same as on earth
compromise map projection
balances the two with reasonable representations of shapes and areas
cylindrical projections
obtained by mathematically wrapping the globe with a cylinder of paper in such a way that the paper touches the globe only at the globes equator
mercator projection
conformal map designed to facilitate oceanic navigation. shows loxodromes as straight lines.
loxodrome
rhumb line, a curve on the surface of a sphere that crosses all meridians
planar projection
obtained by projecting the markings of a center lit globe onto a flat piece of paper that is tangent to the globe at one point usually the north or south pole
conic projection
obtained by projecting the markings of a center lit globe onto a cone wrapped tangent to, or intersecting a portion of the globe
