Mapping

Question 1

Why are maps inaccurate?

Answer 1

The Earth is a 3d surface, which is impossible to accurately translate into a 2d surface without distortion.

Question 2

List map projections. (4)

Answer 2

• Mercator Projection
• Robinson Projection
• Equal Area Projection
• Winkel Tripel Projection

Question 3

Describe the Mercator projection. (3)

Answer 3

• Provides true compass bearings
• Identifiable by straight lines of longitude and latitude
• Heaviest size distortion around the poles

Question 4

List the requirements of a map.

Answer 4

• Title
• Type
• Date of publication
• Scale
• Direction
• Legend
• Borders

Question 5

List types of maps. (5)

Answer 5

• General
• Thematic
• Physical
• Topographic
• Political

Question 6

Describe the Robinson projection.

Answer 6

Reduces distortion near the poles at the expense of navigation.

Question 7

Describe the Equal Area projection.

Answer 7

Further reduces size distortion.

Question 8

What is the difference between a large-scale map and a small-scale map?

Answer 8

1. Large-scale: minimal detail in a large area
2. Small-scale: lots of detail in a small area

Question 9

What is the difference between compass points and compass bearings?

Answer 9

1. Compass Points: 32 marks assigned to a few directions on a compass (N, E, S, W, etc.)
2. Compass Bearings: 360 degrees around a compass.

Question 10

Describe lines of latitude. (4)

Answer 10

• Drawn east-west, but measures locations north-south
• 0° is the equator
• Lines are 111km apart
• 90°N or S is the maximum measurement

Question 11

Describe lines of longitude. (4)

Answer 11

• Drawn north-south, but measures locations east-west
• 0° is the prime meridian
• Lines are 111km apart
• 180°E or W is the maximum measurement

Question 12

Describe the international date line.

Answer 12

• 180° of longitude
• Travelling east past this line, you lose a day
• Travelling west past this line, you gain a day