maps (unit 2) Flashcards
Explain the purpose of maps.
Maps help us navigate and find our way from one place to another.
They show us the paths, roads, and landmarks that we can use to reach our destination.
Explain map projections – what are they and what is its purpose?
Map projections are methods used to transform the three-
dimensional Earth onto a two-dimensional map.
They help us represent the Earth’s curved surface as accurately as
possible on a flat piece of paper or a screen.
Explain the limitations of using maps.
Maps are flat, two-dimensional representations of a
round, three-dimensional surface.
This means that it is not possible to show the Earth
on a flat surface without some kind of distortion.
Explain the MERCATOR projection and understand each of their advantages and disadvantages.
Mercator’s Map was very useful for ocean navigation because it accurately showed the direction with a compass.
Advantages: Preserves the shape of landmasses, Easy navigation.
Disadvantages: Distorts the size of land
Explain the GALL-PETERS projection and understand each of their advantages and disadvantages.
This projection, referred to as an equal-area
projection map, was created to show the size
and areas of countries and continents
accurately.
Advantages: Provides a more accurate representation of
the true size of land areas.
Disadvantages: It distorts the shape of landmasses, Shapes of countries or continents appear
stretched or compressed. This can be misleading when trying to
navigate or locate specific areas on a map.
Explain the ROBINSON projection and understand each of its advantages and disadvantages.
The Robinson projection was used as a compromise
projection to try and accurately show
the shape and size of each country and
continent.
Advantages: Provides a visually appealing representation
of the Earth.
Disadvantages: It still distorts the size of landmasses.
Explain the WINKEL TRIPEL projection and understand each of its advantages and disadvantages.
The Winkel Tripel Projections tries to strike a balance between preserving the shape of continents and minimizing distortion in the
sizes of countries and continents.
Advantages: Provides a more accurate representation of the Earth’s
surface compared to other map projections.
Disadvantages: It still introduces some distortions in size and shape.
It is not suited for studying specific regions or small-scale
features due to its compromise nature.
Explain a General Purpose Map.
These maps show both natural and human-made features. Some of the things that might be shown on a general-purpose map include:
Bodies of water, Roads, Parks, Towns and Cities. These maps give a broad understanding of the location and features of an area.
Explain a Thematic Map.
Thematic maps illustrate the geographical distribution of
a particular theme or topic. Examples of themes include:
climate, vegetation, soil types, population density, industry,
natural resources, etc.
Explain a Topgraphic Map.
Topography is the study of shape and features on
the surface of the Earth. These features typically
include natural formations such as mountains, rivers,
lakes, and valleys, forests, glaciers etc.
Explain the difference between large-scale maps vs. small-scale maps.
Large-Scale: shows more detail, but usually covers a smaller area. They are used to show detailed information about a small area, such as for residential planning of neighbourhoods and towns, hiking, and military purposes.
Small-Scale: show a small amount of detail of a large area. These maps are used to show general details, such as political, physical, and economic information. Small scale maps generally show less detail than large-scale maps, but cover large parts of the Earth.
