Chapter 1 Flashcards
Globe
A scale model of the Earth
Map
Symbolic representation of all or part of the planet
Great Circle Route
Imaginary line that follows the curve of the earth
Map projection/projection
To create maps, cartographers project the round Earth onto a flat surface. Size, shape, distance, direction may be distorted
Planar projection
Shows the earth centered in such a way that a straight line coming from the center to any other point represents the shortest distance. Also known as azimuthal projection it is the most accurate
Conic projection
Comes from placing a cone over part of a globe. They are best suited for showing limited east-west areas that are not too far from the equator. They can indicate distances and directions fairly accurate
Cylindrical projection
Based on the projection of the globe onto a cylinder. This projection is most accurate near the equator, but shapes and distances are distorted near the Poles
Winkel Tripel Projection
Most world map references. Good balance between the size and shape of land areas.
Goode’s Interrupted Equal-Area Projection
Resembles a globe that has been cut apart and laid flat. Shows true size and shape of Earth’s landmasses, but distances are generally distorted
Robinson Projection
Similar to Winkel Tripel Projection except polar areas are flattened
Mercator Projection
Increasingly distorts size and distance as it moves away from the equator. Accurately shows true directions and the shapes of landmasses, making them useful for sea travel
Grid system
Lines that cross one another forming a pattern, helps find exact places on Earth’s surface
Hemisphere
One of four halves which the Earth is divided. Helps geographers classify and describe places on Earth
Latitude
Also known as parallels, run West to East and divide North and South.
Equator
Measured at 0 degrees latitude.
Longitude
Also known as meridians, run North and South measures West and East
Absolute Location
Exact address
Relative Location
Location of one place in relation to another
Scale Bar
Shows relationship between map measurements and actual distances on Eartb
Cities
Represented by a dot.
Capitals
Represented by a star in a circle
Physical map
Shows the location and the topography or shape of the earth’s physical features. A study of a country’s physical features often helps to explain the historical development of a the country
Political Map
Shows the boundaries and locations of political units such as countries, states, counties, cities, and towns.
Thematic map
Maps that emphasize a single idea or particular kind of information about an area.
Qualitative Map
maps that use colors, symbols, lines, or dots to show information related to a specific idea. Used to depict historical information
Flow-line maps
illustrate movement of people, animals, goods, and ideas, as well as physical processes like hurricanes and glaciers
Place
a particular space with physical and human meaning. Every place on Earth has its own unique characteristics determines by the surrounding environment and the people who live there
Region
area with similar characteristics. The defining characteristics of a region may be physical, such as climate, landforms, soils, vegetation, and animal life
Formal region
defined by a common characteristic, such as a product produced there
Functional region
central place and the surrounding area linked to it. Metropolitan areas, as well as smaller cities and towns, are functional regions
Perceptual region
Defined by popular feelings and images rather than by objective data.
Site
Refers to the specific location of a place, including its physical setting
Situation
expression of relative location
Ecosystem
Community of plants and animals that depend upon one another, and their surroundings, for survival
What is the degree of Tropic of Capricorn and Tropic of Cancer?
23.5 degrees latitude
Arctic Circle and Antarctic Circle degrees?
66.5 degrees latitude
Prime Meridian and International Date Line degrees?
Prime Meridian at 0 degrees, International Date Line at 180 degrees
