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Heat Sensing Scan
How do geographers view
the world?
Taking Notes Copy the g€phic organizer
beow
nto yoLrr notebook use it to recdrd
informalion aboul lhe work of geographers
and the themes oi geography
Main ldeas
. Geogrcphets view the world
in terms of the use of space,
. GeogBphers study the wodd
by looking at location, place,
region, movement, and
human-environment
Places & Terms
A HUMAN
PERSPECTIVE Between 1838
and 1842, Captain Charles
geography
Wilkes led an American expedition to the South Pacific and Antarctica.
At one stop at a South Sea island, a friendly islander drew a map on the
wooden deck planks ofthe ship. To Wilkes's amazement, the map accurately showed the location of the Tuamotu Archipelago a chain of
about 8o coral islands that stretches more than 1,ooo miles across the
South Pacific. The islander relied on personal experience sailing in the
area and a mental map to accurately show the positions of the islands.
absolule location
hemisphere
prime meridian
latirudc
longilude
The Geographer's Perspective
Maps like the one that the islander drew are important tools in geogra
phy. The word geography comes from the Greek wotd geographia,
which means "to describe the earth." Geographers study the world in a
different way than do other social scientists. Histo ans look at events
over time. Geographers, on the other hand, view the world by looking
at the use of space on the earth and the interactions that take place
there. They look for patterns and connections between people and the
land that they live on- ceograohv, then, is the study of the distribution
and interaction of physical and human features on the earth.
METHODS OF GEOGRAPHY Geographers use a variety of tools to
study the use of space on earth. The most common one is a map- Maps
are visual representatjons of a portion of the earth. Maps do not have
to be written down to be useful. Since people began roaming the eanh,
they have created mental maps maps that they carry in their minds.
You use a mental map every day as you go to and from school.
The maps that you are probably most familiar with appear in printed
form, such as in road atlases and books. In recent years, more maps have
appeared in electronic media such as CD ROMS and on the Internet.
Geographers also use photographs to gain visual evidence about a
place. They organize information into charts, graphs, or tables to learn
about geographic patterns and to understand changes over time. They
may also construct scale models to make study of the real world easier.
Sometimes they use graphic models to illustrate an idea.
Other basic tools used by geographers are the five themes ofgeography, which also describe patterns and connections in the use of space.
These themes organize information about geography into five distinct
categories, shown at right. These themes are important to geographic
study. They help the geographer to describe the use of space.
tulion
How ars placos €imilar or differsnt?
How do people. qoods, and ideas
move lrom one location to another?
un.n"ENircnn8nt lntriction
How do people lolat€ to ths physical
The Five Themes of Geostdphy S
Latitude Lines tPamllels)
Theme: Location
The geographic question "Where is it?" refers to location.
Geographers describc location in two ways. Absolute
!gca!iq! is the exact place on earth where a geographic fea'
ture, such as a city, is found. Relative location describes a
place in comparison to other places around it.
Longitude Lines [Meddians)
ABSOLUTE LOCATION To describe absolute location,
geographcrs use a grid system of imaginary lines for precisely locating places on the earth's surface. (See the dia
gram at left.) Earth is divided into two cqual halves. Each
half of the globe is called a hemisphere. Because the earth
is round, a hemisphere can bc north and south, or east and
west. Thc eoualor is the imaginary line that divides the
north and south halves- The prinDqllcddlel is the imagi
nary line dividing the earth east and west. Sometimes this $YGeosraphic
line is called thc Greenwich meridian (GREHN'ich Making
muh.RlHD.ee'uhn) line because the linc runs lhrough
Greenwich, England. ;r.
LATITUDE LINES To locate places north or south, geogra
phers usc a set of imaginary lines that run parallel to the
equator These liDes are called latitude lines. The equator
is designated as the zero degree line for latitude. Lines
north of the equator are called north latitude lines, and
lines south of the equator are called south latitude lines.
i
lt
LONGITUDE LINES, To complete thc grid system, geogra
phers use a set ofimaginary lines that go around the earth
over the poles. These lines, called longitude lincs, mark
positions in the east and west hemispheres. The prime
meridian is the zero-degree line for longitude.
Each site on the earth can have only one absohrte loca
tion. To find an absolutc location using the grid system,you
need to find the point whcre the latitude and longitude
lines cross. For example, the absolute location of
Melbourne, Australia, is 37o South latitude, 145' East lon
gitude. To :jec how latitude and longitudc lines cross and to
lcarn more about absolute location, see page 17 in the
Geography Skills Handbook.
LocATloN Relative location describes how a
place is related to its surrounding environment. For
exarrple, you may tell a person that the library is three
blocks west of the park. This helps ihe person find the
library if he or she knows where the park is located
tJsinS relative location may help you becorne familiar
with the specific characteristics of a place. Learning that
RELATIVE
SKILLBUILDER: lnrerpreling
Graphics
O
LOCATION ln which two
hern spheres islhe Unted States
€t LocArloN
6
CHAPTER
1
How manydegreesof
Cairo, Egypt, is located ncar the mouth of the Nile River
in Africa, for example, tells you something about Cairo,
the Nile River. and even Africa itselfl
I
entEnce ro GLanabara
Bay, Suganoal Mounlain
is a prominent landform
the harbor of Botafogo
oralions and expens ve
space in rhe scenic parr
Theme: Place
The question "What is it like?" refcrs to place. Place includes the physical features and cultural characteristics of a location. All locations on
earth havc physical leatures that set them apart, such as climate, land
forms, and vegetation. Other features are the product of humans inter
acting with the environment, such as by building dams, highways, or
houses. Stillothers are the result ofhumans intcracting with animals or
with each other. In the phorograph above, you can see place leatures of
Rio de Janeiro. Since a location's culture and its use of space may
changc over time, the description of a place may aiso changc.
Theme: Region
\:Yceoqraphic
Using the Atlas
I
The question 'How are places similar or different? ' refers to region. A
region is an area of the carth's surface with similar characteristics.
Regions usually have rnore than one characteristic that unifies them.
These may include physical, political, economic, or cultural characteris
tics. For example, the Sunbelt in the southern Unltcd States is a physical
region. Geographers categorize rcgions in three ways: formal, functional,
and perceptual rcgions. <.1
of
related characterlstics. For cxample, the Sahel region of Aliica is a
desert area characterized by speciflc climate, vegetation, and land use
patterns. In this textbook, the regions you'I] explore generally are
defined by continental area and by similar cultural styJes. The lollow
FORMAL REGIONS A formalrcgion is defined by a limited number
ing are considered formal regions:
. Thc united States and Canada
. Latin Amedca
'
Southwest Asia
. South Asia
. Europe
. East Asia
'
, Southeast Asia, Oceania,
Russia and the Republics
rhe Firc rhemes ofGeogtuphy 7
: r"li;
)1: ,rri i,r-r:i1,. .,i A fimctional rcgioll is organirccl iLrour(l a scl
()f inleractions arrd colnections b{rtwcl!r places. lJ:ually a lunctional
region is charactcrize(l by a hub, or r:crtral 1tnce, drld lirks lo lhnr ccrl
tral |lacc. Ii)r cxarnpL', I city an(l its subulti xlay lorr a lunctioDal
region. llighways, comrnrrtcl raihollls, sLrbways, an<l bus lincs rxrve
peoplc lronr the subrrrbs to th{r (:ily Ior ioLi arrd ollxrr activiLic!. Bo.anse
thc city and ils suburl)s arc (rrrnectcclby a grcal dcalol nrovcrncDr l)ack
arrl lorrh, thcy lorrrr a liurdional rcgiorr. _2
iri ili ir r'ri rj, ri::', ri,i: A prrccpiual
rcgion is a rcgion in rvhich pco
pl(,perceivc, or r,cc, tlrr characlcristkis ol lhr region in thc sanrc rvay.
IIol\'e\'ct tho sct of characterislic-\ rray rxr be precis{ly lll(] sarrre lor .rll
pcople. lirr cxanrplc, although nrany pcople arc Iirnliliar wilh the regi(Jrr
cnllc(L tlxr Arnerican Midwc!1, 1lr(ry sonrctinrcs di11i r on horv rhar rcgion
is dclirrr:rl. Sonre pcoplc bdicvr: rhe N4i(h^,cs1 l)cgins irr Ohio. Orlrcrs
b{rlicvc thc rerion brgils irr tlxr rliddlc ol lllirois.
Theme:
ENVTRONMENT
INTEI]ACTION
ol
1993.
- Environ m e nt lnteraction
hc qucsti{rr "l low (lo pcopllr roialc to thc pllysical lwrrkl? ' rclcr.s to rhc
rclali(Jnship betvrccrr hLrrlars ar(l thcir cnvirornrrenr. Pcoplc lcarrr ro
usc wlrnt lhc cnvir.Jnllxilll oflc'r s lhrnl nn(l to r:hangc that cnviro nrcnt
t{) r)reel their ltrlls. They alvr lcanr t{) livc i\'ith nsl)ccls ol 1hr cnvirorl
rrent thal llxry (:lrrnot controi, suclr as clinratt.
l'coplc livillij in sirril. cnvirorIlx,nts do nor rcspoir(l ro lhcrr irr llrc
sadxr !vay. f(n exrrrplc, sorrrc pcoplc vlr\,v a hot, sunny clinlalc noar ir
l;ody of rvateI as Lrlcal lor rr:t:roational activilics. Others Dray scc llris n\
.rrr (I)portunity 1or raising (itrLrs, olivcs, ()r qrapr:s. Iluutall lxrillqs rvork
to.rlt0r thcir orvironrnenls Lo nrako tlrenr br:ttcr plac.s or () prcvi(l(
nccclcd goods. ll,oplc nrry drain swrnrps (rr (li!l irrigltitlrr clirchos ro
!riw crol)s in il p.lrtil]Lrldr (rrn,ir on r)tctlt. S(rI]x,tlr c5 thc allcrntiorr\ crc
akr rxr\,r, ploblcnls, slx lr as polhrlion. A5 y(nr sntly gcogr.aphy, yorr will
icarr about lltally r,vays hurrrillrs inlcra(]t wilh their c vir(n1lncrn.
I
HUMAN-
Human
"".,nn
--j
Now ""u".n"
nrishl
Theme: Movement
The question "How do people, goods, and idcas move lrom one location
to another?" refcrs to movernent, Geographets are interested in the
ways peoplc, goods, and ideas move from place to place. Think about
the clothing you wear, the nrusic you listen to, or the places you go lor
entertainment. All of these things involve movement from orre place to
another. Geographers analyzc movement by looking at three types of
distancer linear distancc, time distance, and psychological distance.
LINEAR DISTANCE AND TIME DISTANCE Linear distance simply
nreans how lar across the earth a pelson, an idea, or a product travcls.
l'hysical gcography can afflct lincar distance by lorcing a shift in a
routc lo avoid irnpassable land or water.
lime distance is the antount of time it takes for a person, an idea, or
a product io travel. Modern inventions have shortened time distances.
For exarnple, in the rsoos, pioneers traveled up to six months to reach
California. lbday you can get there by airplanc from alnost any U.S.
location in undcr six hours. With the use of the Internet. ideas .an rrav
el around the world in seconds. <!
PSYCHOLOGICAL DISIANCE Psychological distaDce refers ro the way
people view distance. When you were younger, some locations seemed
very far away. As you grew older, the distance to thcse locations probably seerned to shrink. Studies show that, as we bccome familiar with a
place, we think it is closer tLan it actually is. Less familiar places secrn
io be further away. Psychological distance nay influencc dccisions
about many dilLrent human activities.
Across the world, people make important choices based on linear distance, time dislancc, and psychological distancc. These choices rrakc ,rp
paltems that geographers can study. In the next section, yoLr'll rr:'d
about the t(Dls they use to study these patterns-
*
Q
Places & Terrrrs
Expla n lhe nreaning of
each of the follow ng
O
Taking Notes
REGION Review lhe notes you
look for lh s se.lion
(t
@ Main ldeas
a. What are the five themes
Making Generalizations
of geography?
How is the srudy of geography
b.
How is pace difierenl
differcnt from the stldy of
history? Think about:
c.
Why do seoaraphers
'
'geography
st!dy human environment
.
'longitude
Geographic Thinking
.
lse of space on eadh
relatlonships beMeen
What are three typ-"s of regions?
'
9l
See Skillbuilder
Handbook, pase Ro.
EXPLORING IOCAL GEOGRAPHY using the five themes of geog€phy, develop a brcchure
describing yo{rr community. Use picturcs orsketches, maps, and other dara ro complere your
The Five Themes ol Ceoqrophy g
Main ldeas
. Geographers use two- and
three-d mensional tools to
leam about the earth.
'
Geoqraphers use computerassisred technology to study
the lse of the earth's surface,
Places & Terms
globe
A HUMAN PERSPECTIVE At noon on a sunny midsumrner day, some
time around 255 rl.c., Lratosthcnes drove a stake into the ground at the
mouth of thc Nilc River in Alexandria, Egypt. He then noted the angle
of thc shadow cast by ihe stake- Meanwhile at Syene (modern-day
Aswan, Egypt), another person drove a stake into the ground but it
cast no shadow Using the angle of the first shadow and the distance
between Syene and Alexandria, Eratosthcncs calculated the circumfer
ence of the earth. By today's mcasurements, he was off by aborrt r5 per
cent, but he was remarkably accurate considering the simple tools he
Llscd. Eratosthenes was one of the earliest geographers to use tools and
critical thinking to measure and describe the earth.
canographer
map projection
ropographic map
Geogmphic lnformation
Sysrems (GlS)
Maps and Globes
A geographer's tools include maps, globes, and data that can be dis
played in a variety ofways- The oldest known map is a Babylonian clay
tablet created about 2,5oo years ago. The tablet is about four inches
high and shows the Babylonian world sr-rrrounded by water Over the
ceDturies, mapmaking evolved into a very complex task. However, a
map's lunction has rcmained the same to show locations of places,
landforms, and bodies of water, aDd where they are in relation to other
parts of the earth.
TWO OR THREE DIMENSIONS A glqbe is a three dimensional repre
sentatidr of the earth. It provides a way to view the earth as it travels
through space. Ilut since the ea(h is a sphcrc, we can see only one half
of it at any tinle. For certain tasks, globes are not very practical because
they are not easily portable.
People often prefer to use m?ps, which are two-dimensional graphic
representations of selected parts of the earth's surlace. Maps
are easily portable and can be drawn to any scalc needed.
The disadvantage of a map is that distortion occurs as
the earth's surlace is flattened to create the map. A
cartoomoher. ur lrrar,nraler. r.dut.. .ome tvne.
of distortion by using diflerent types of map
projeclions. A map proiection is a way of
drawing Earth's surface by presenting a
rollnd Earth on flat paper. To learn more
about map projections, see the Geography
Skills Handbook, pages rE r9.
1O CHAPTER
1
This globe, crcated circa t492, s
turned lo show Atrca and ELrrope
r
YPr..r r.,t rvr?!t,r The three types of maps are general relerence maps,
thcnlatic maps, and navjgational iraps- One kiDd of gencral rcfcrence
map is called a topographic map, which is a representation of natural
and man made fealrrcs or'r the earth. Thenratic maps cnlphasize spe
cific kinds of information, such as climate or populati(nr riensity. Sailors
and pilots usc lhc thirJ type ol map navigation rnaps. You can learn
morc abolrt using different maps in thc Gcography Slills Handbook,
pagcs
20
23.
'Ihe Scierrce ol Maprrraking
A cartographer decides what type of map to crcate by considering how
thc map nill be used. Keeping that purpose in mind, he or she rhcn
deternines how rnuch detail to shon, and what size the map shoLrld bc-
-l,r.ilrIt{r{t, The lirst siep in nraking a map is to compiete a field survcy. Surveyors observe, measure, and rccorrl what they see in a specific
area. Today, most mapping is done lry remote seDSing, the gathcring of
geographic inlbrmaticJn fronl a distance by an instrumcnt that is not
physically in contact r4,rith the mapping sitc. fhcse (lata are gathered
primarily by aerial photography or by satellites.
Thc data gathered includes information such as elevation, diffcr
ences in land coveq and variations in temperature. Jhis information is
recordecl ancl convcrted to a gray image. Cartographcrs thcn use these
clata and computcr softr'\,are to construct ntaps. Scc thc ilhistration
Le'ow ro lnarn ,I,,r" ,bur'r .".rt rtc -rrrv, y nb.
..''.,,-.
i'.r
't
SATELLIIES Today, geographers rely heavily on satcllitcs to provide
geographic data- Two ofthe best known satcllitcs arc Landsat and GOES.
is actually a serjes of satellites lhat orbit more than 1oo miles
above Earth. Each time a satellilc makcs an orbit, it picks up data in an
area 1r5 miles wide. Landsat can scan the entire Earth in 16 days.
Geostationary Opcrational Environment Satellite (GOES) is a weathcr
sarellite. This satcllite flies in orbit
sync with Eartll's rotation. By
'n
doing so, it always views the sane area. Il gathers imagcs of atmospher
ic conditions that are useful in forecasting the wcathcr.
hds4
GeogEphic lnformalion Systems (clsl allow
geogEphers lo solve probl€ms by combining geographic
information aboul a locarion frcm several soorces,
o
O
A question or problem is posed. An example s, ln
what generalarea nearftis lown mighi an atpon
be oc€led? A secton of and s identifed Jor
o
Computer data bases hold
geographic infofl nation
The user se ecls layers of
lnlormaion ftar answer the
qLesron "What geograph c
abour rhe locauon.
characler sucs are impodanl
Ior a good airponsite?'
'1
O
.r
AtGlmin map s seecred
to identify al areas flat
enough
tor €nding
1.,
i
o
A land use map shows
are.s thzl have few homes.
{i.,
G'
12
CHAPTIJR ]
nap shows where roads are
located sothatthe airpoft can be reached
and safety concems are hand ed.
The ba6e
o rlle
laye6 ot nformaton are
combined to create € composite
map showing poss ble stes for
GEOGRAPHIC INfORMATION SYSIEMS ThE
in the geographer's
NEWEST IOOI
toolbox is ceograohic lntormation
fclsl,
GIS stores information about the world in a
digital database. GIS has the abilityto combine information
ftom a va ety of sources and display it in ways that allow
the user to visualize the use of space in different waysSystems
When using the system, geographers must look at a
problem and decide what types ofgeographic information
would help them solve the problem. The information
could include maps, aerial photographs, satellite images, or
other data. Next, they select the approp ate layers of infor
mation. Then, GIS creates a composite map combining the
information. Study the diagram on page 12 to learn more
about the way GIS works.
@-".--:;t
,kin
Thir
Maklng
D
'r.-----J
How mighr the
G0ES and GPS?
O
GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSIEM (cPS) A familiar tool
of geographers is GPS or Global Positioning System. It
was originally developed to help military forces know
exactly where they were on the earth's surface. The sys
tem uses a series of z4 satellites called Navstars, which beam information to the earth. The exact position latitude, longitude, altitude,
and time is displayed on a hand-held receiver Hikers, explorers,
sailors, and drivers use GPS devices to determine location. They are
also used to track animals. {
Oeographers use a varietyofother tools including photographs, cross
sections, models, cartograms, and population pyramids. These tools
help geographers to visualize and display information for analysis.
They are looking for patterns and connections in the datatheyfind. You
will learn how to use these tools in the ceography Skills Handbook,
which follows, and in the Map and Graph Skills pages in this book.
Haces & Terms
Er(plain the meaning
of
€)Iaking
REG|O
otes
Review the nores you
Main ldeas
Whal are the three basic
each of lhe foilowing
'
geogEphers tools in
globe
about
'
GIS
Geographic Thinkiog
Making Genel€lizations
How does modern technology
help geographers? lhink
globes?
.
O
MOVEMENT Scientrsts
'
How would a globe show a
region differentlythan a map?
'
How do€s GIS aid in
Lrnde6tanding a region?
How does a cartogrcpher
decide which lype of map
.
digilal inlormation
satellile images
.9l
See Skillbuilder
Handboolq paqe Re.
i/lAKllIG COMPARISOIIS Choose a place on the eanh and in an atlas, and find thre€ maps
that show the place in three dilferent ways. Create a chant rhat lists the simila ties and
differences in ihe way the place is shown on the thaee maps,
The Geographer's Tools 13
This handbook covers the basic map skills and information that
geographers rely on as they investigate the world-and the skills
you will need as you study geography.
Finding Location
Mapmaking depends on surveying the earth's surfacc- Until recently,
that activity could only happen on land or sca. Today, aerial photogra
phy and satellite imaglng are the most popular ways to gather data.
A peBona GPS device
Nigerian surueyoB use
a theodolite, a lype ol
Magnetic compasses introdrced by the
Ch nese around the I l00s helped to
accurately delermine direction.
I
F*-s
{^ rnar
I
b
A
kl"
ij:
:i"y' r:
lt
$
,'
0
r"'
-o
sAU0t
u, ,,.,,,, , r,."
..6
o
o
Reading a Map
Nlost rnnl)s lrav( tlr(
OrtrlE
\(
(.1(.1ll.n1\,
lh. rr..xplans rh.
sLbt.ci ot thc mrr and q vcs
yo! af d.a otwhal flornraton
th...', llr
lNl souur lsl cas! ltl rnd wesi
lr.ss rose sli.ws yo!
lwl d r.ct
o
@
raols
@recrlo
rs on thc nrap
y ro s
.ri rri.!l r.ry
dnd
n
tlrrl fersure
ili 0i
u'
'uo'rts oil
plrrses thar -.rir" B L lear!res
OscAtE
b.Mc.n
m!p
11r,.
@ rnrs or rorctruor t,"',,
Jri ru!l rrry res ifuL rrersue
tr
r'"
es
rlsl:rxie .orir 0r
d
tatre
,a .gcnd o, keyl,srs
ind .xp. fs th. synbols
lsc ol coor on nr. Dap
O urrc or rartruor rt,"-"
@ coueess nosr rt,",,,
Somct n.s or
whi.h :rft n(tossrry to read and rrnrlerrtrnd them.
strrrce e.sror resrot rhe
A sca e shows lrre rtrro
, ui t ol ..9t1r on lli.l
af. a !nrt.l disl.f.eon
synrr)o s Jep.ese,i
r s a..ap la .r tes
e.orou. act vrtres or nar!ral
OsYMBors
sudr le
rcsourc.s Ch.ck th. nrap cll
crd Tor for. dcta s
@ corons
i:,, u r,,1,
o
"t",r
v.rlery oi nnornrrl o. on
a .rap
The nrap legcfd nd cates whar
thc colo s mca l
Ccoltt uplty
slill\
11t'LIbnoL 15
Scale
A geographer
decides what scalc to use by determining how much
detail to show. lf many details are needed, a large scale is used. lf fcwer
details are ncedcd, a small scale is used.
This shows the rzlio of
EASTERN UNITED STATES
compared ro real earth
nch on the map eqra s
30.000,000 nches (500
m lesl in actual d stance
Bar Scale
ratio of disl.nce on the
map to d stance on the
----
Small Scale
16
A smallscale map shows a large area bLrwrhoul rnuch
deta . A small sc€le is rsed to see relat ve location n a
region or bet!\,een reg ons.
A large scale nrap shows a sma area with much
more deta . A large s.ale is used to see reatve
WASHINGTON, D.C,, METRO AREA
WASHINGTON, D,C.
CHAPTER
1
localion within a region.
Using the Geographic Grid
As you learned in Chapter r, geographers use a grid system to identify
absoiutc location. The grid system uses two kinds of imaginary lines:
. latitude lines, also called parallels becausc they run parallel to the
equator
. longitude lines, also called meridians because, like the prime merid
ian, they run from pole to pole
Beginning or north
longilude
There are rB0o n Wesl long lude
and r80' in Easr longrrLde. L nes
atso markihe hoLB ofrhe day as
the earth rotares. Every 150 east or
wesl is eqLalto one hoLr
Tropics
2PM
12n
l0
Global Gdd
Absolute location can be determined
by noring where latrude and ongitude
llnes .ross. For more precision. each
degree s divided into 60 minutes.
Dakar, Senega
:i-0.__l_,*_,"1,,,."_J___
Geogruphy skills Han.lbook 17
Projections
A projection is a way of showing the curued surface of the earth on a
flai map. Because the earth is a sphere, a flat map will distort some
aspect of the earth's sllrface. Distance, shape, direction, or area may be
distorted by a projection. Be sure to check the projection of a map so
you are aware of how the areas arc distorted.
PLANAR PROJECTIONS
A planar projeclion is a project on on 2
llat surface. This projecton is also called
an azimuthal projection. lt distods sze
and shape. To lhe ight is a rype oI planar
azimulhal projection shows the
earrh so rhat a life from rhe centrat
poinlto any olher
on the map
gives lhe shorrest distance between the
lwo points Size and shape are distorted.
The
poi
CONICAL PROJECTIONS
A con cal projecrion is a pqection onto a
cone. This proje.rion shows shape faidy
accuralely. bLr it distorts landmasses arthe
18 CHAPTER
]
Conical projecuons are often used to show
landmasses thatexrend over large areas
COMPROMISE PROIECTIONS
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ofthe landmasses, butdistances on the
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ln ihe compronr se projection ca ed MeEror, the shapes
of the continents are distorted at fie poles and somewhar
compressed nearthe equator Forexample, lhe sland of
6ree rland rs dctual.y ole-eelrh rhe s/p olSou I Ame La.
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shapes and szes
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Ihe compromise prcjectlon called homolosine s
sometmes calLed an "interupted map, because the
oceans are divided. This projection shows ihe accLrrale
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A compromise projeclion is a pojection onto a cy nder
This prcjection showsthe entre earlh on one map.
lncluded here are three types of.ompromlse projeclions.
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A Robinson projection is a type of compmmise projection.
commonly used in lextbooks- lt shows the entire earth wth
nearlythe lrue sizes and shapes ofthe continents and
oceans. Howeveri fie sh6pes ofthe landforms nearthe
Use pages 14 l9to helpyou answerthese questions.look atthe map on page 15to
answer quesiions l-3.
1. How are colors used on this rnap?
2. ls lhe map a large scale or a small scale rnap? How do you know?
3. What is the approximate longitude of Buenos Aires?
4. What are the names of three lines of latilude besides the equatoP
5. Whrch projeclions show shape of landmasses most accurately?
MAKING coMPARlsoNs Look arrhe maps in the atlas in this
book. Crcate a darabase that shows rhe projection and scale of
each map. Wnte a summary ofyourfindings.
Ceosruphy Skius Handbook
lg
Using Different Types of Maps
pHYSlcAl MAPS lthysical maps heh you scc the types of landforms
and bodies o[ watcr found in a specific arca. By studying ihe map, you
can begin to understand the relativc location and charactcristics of a
place or rcgion.
On a physical map, color, shading, or contour lincs arc used to indi
cate elevation or altitude, also called relief.
Ask these questions about thc physical features shown on a map:
' Where on thc carth's suface is this arca located?
.
What is its relative location?
' Wllat is the shape of the rcgion?
. in which direction do the ivers flow? How might the dircction
of flow affect iravel and transportation in the region?
'Are there mountains or deserts? How do they affect the peoplc
living in thc area?
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20
CHAPTER
1
PaillTlcAl MAFs Polltical
maps show features on the earth's surfacc
thai humans created- lncluclcd on a political map may be c;ties, states,
provinces, territories, or c()rrntries.
Ask these questions aboul thc political leatures shown on a map:
. Whcrc on thc carth s su ace is lhis area locatcd?
.
what is its relative location? How might the locaiiorl affect
the economy or foreign policy o{ a place?
' What is thc shape and size of the country? How might shape
or sizc affcct the people Living in the {iountry?
. Who are the neighbors in thc rcgion, country state, or city?
. How populated does the area seem i{} bc? How mighl that aflect
activities thcrc?
(,'
Cenqophy
5l.t
ll\ Huttlbool 21
Thematic Maps
Geographers also rely on thematic maps, which focus on specific types
ofinformation. For example, in this textbook you willsee thematic maps
that show climate, vegetation, natural resources, population density, and
cconomic activitics. Some thematic maps illustrate historical trends, and
others may focus on the movement ofpeople or ideas. Thcse maps may
be prescnted in a vadety ofways.
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QlrAl"lTATlVF MAPS Qualitative maps
use colors, symbols, dois, or lines to
help you see patterns related to a spe
cific idea. The map shown to the left
shows the influence of the Roman
Empire on Europe, North Africa, and
Southwest Asia. Use the suggestions
below to help you interpret a map. Check the
title to identify the theme
and daia being presented.
. Study the legend to undcrstand the
theme and the information presented.
. Look at physical or political features
of the area. How might the thcme of
the map affect them?
.
What are the relationships among
the data?
CARTOGRAMS In a cartogram, geog
raphers present information about a
country based on a set of data other
than land area. The size of each country is drawn in proportion to that data
rather than to its land size. On the car
togram shown to the left, the countries
arc represented on the basis of their
oil reserves. Use the suggestions below
to help you interpret a cartogram.
. Check the title and legend to identify
the data being presented.
' What do sizes represent?
.Look at the relative sizes of rhe
countries shown. Which is largest?
smallest?
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ro01Bi oibaiiets
o
l.ch sqlare
res I
equars r bil
r0oBil0ibafteh
onbnds
. How do the sizes ofthe countries on
thc physical map differ from those
in the cartogram?
.
What are the relationships among
the data?
22
CHAPTER
1
Fl OW-LINE MAPS Flow line maps
illustratc movement
of
people,
or even gla
ciers. The information is usually
shown in a scrics of arrows.
I-ocation, diruJion, and scope of
nlovement car be seen. The width
ol the arrow may show how exten
goods, ideas, animals,
ETrcpicarrcnr,rest
sive the flow is. Oftcn thc informa
tion is givcn ovcr a period of time.
The map shown to the right por
trays the movement of the Bantu
peoples in Africa. Use the sugges
tions below to help you interprct a
flow Iinc map.
'Check the title and legend
to identify the data being
I
prcscntcd.
. Over what period of time
did the movement occur?
.ln
what dircdion did tho
mov.mPnt o..rrr?
' How exlensive was the
A
]ND]AN
O( [t\N
TIANl'IC
o(
EAN
Remember that the purpose of a
map is lo show a location and pro
vide aclditional information. Be sure to look at the type of map, scale,
and projcction. Knowing how maps present the information will hclp
you interprei the map and the ideas i1 presents.
Use pages 20-23 to he p you answer ihese quesliois. Use ihe rnaps on pages 20
to answer questions I 3
r.ln
21
what direction does the Ganges River flovv?
2. China is lhe noftem neighbor ofwhich countres?
3. Whrch city is closer to lhe Thar Deserl-Lahore, Pakislan or New Delhl. lndia?
4. Why are so few nalions sho\4n on the cartogram?
5. Which of lhe lh€matic maps would best sho\r lhe location of climate zones?
EXPLORING LOCAL GEOGRAPHY Obtain a physical political
map ofyour state. use the data on it to creat€ two sepamte
maps. One should show physical ieatures only, and one should
show poLitical features only.
Geogrcphy skills Handbook 23
Reviewing PIaces & fbrms
location
' Absolute Location
uses latitude
6nd longitude.
. Relalive Location
uses
relarionships to other places.
Dl.ce This explains the characteristics of
Region lhis looks ata largerarca wiih
A. Brielly explain the importance of each ofthe following.
l. geography
6. longitude
2. hemisphere
7, globe
3. equator
8, map
4, prime meridian
9. caftographer
5. latitude
lO. map prolection
B. AnsMrer the questions about vocabulary in complete sentences.
11. Which of the above terms indicate imaginary parallel lines that
circle the earth?
'12. Which term marks the beginning of longitude?
similar chamctedstics.
13. Which ofthe above terms has 180" in each hemisphere?
14. How may hemispheres be divided?
15. What imaginary line separates the Nofthern Hemisphere lrom the
liovement
People, planls, animals, and
ldeas move through time and acrcss
HumarFEnvironment lnteractlon
Southern Hemisphere?
Humans interact with the environ
ment to adjust 10 lt or to alter it
16.
17.
18.
19.
A two dimens onal represenraton
M.Pnrking
are used to gather data and creale
Which ofthe above terms are associated with the geographic
grid?
Main ldeas
The Fiue Themes of ceography (pp, 5-S)
l.
'High-lech tools, inc uding satellites,
Would a cartographer work on a map or a globe?
Why are map prolections needed?
20. Which term characterizes the sludy of the use of and space?
Globe A lhree-dimensional
represenrarion of rhe ea'1h
Mip
Which ierm is also known as a meridian line?
How is absolute location different from relative ocat on?
2. What are some examples of information that would be included in
a
place description?
3. How is place different from region?
4. Why do geographers study movement?
The Geographer's Tools (pp,
I0-I3)
5. What is the pupose of a map?
lilrP Elem. ls
6. Howdo satellites aid in mapmaking?
scal.
7. Why is GIS a valuable tool for examining the geography of a place?
Maps have elemenls such
as a legend to aid in inlerprcring thern.
This derennines how much derail
is shown on a map.
Cdd Gridlines help lo delemine
Proieciion This shows the eadh s
surfac€ in h^/o dimensions but disbns
eilher size, shape, direction, or area.
Drp6 ol /Sap These include physical,
polilical, and themalic such as qual
itative, canoqraphiq or tlow-line.
24
CHAPTER I
Geography Skills Handbook (pp.
8. How
I4-23)
is the use of small-scale maps dillerent from the Lrse of large-
scale maps?
9. ln what ways may relief be shown on a map?
10, What are three types of thematic maps?
eratical Thinking
l
Using Your Notes
ljse your compleled chartto answerthese questions.
511'.tet'
3. ldentifying Themes
lnto which two hemispheres would an island at 50'S,
60"W be placed? Which ofthe five themes are reflected in
4. Drawing Conclusions
a, How arc relative location and place related?
b. How do thematic maps help geographers
understand the five themes?
Geographic Themes
a. REGtoN Write a sentence describing a region that
your community is a part o[ Be sure to identiry the
region and give reasons for your answer.
Why was it necessaryfor geogmphers to develop a grid
system?
5. Seeing Patterns
lnto which formal region, functional region, and
perceptual region mightyour communiiy be placed?
AdditionalTestPractice,
pp.
sl-s37
<
b. MovEMENT How are linear and time distances
related to lhe theme of movement?
Geographie Skills:
lnterprering lvtaps
Continents oI the World
{lse the map to answer the following
questions.
t. LocArtoN What is the absolute location
of the continent of Auslralia?
2. LocATloN What is ihe relative location
of South America?
3.
PtAcE What body of waier is located
at 45' N, 45" W?
\
,,,
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F!FE---
With a partner, choose and record ihe
latitude and longitude of five locations
on the map at left. Then trade your list
with anoiher set of partners. Have them
search forihe coordinates on your list,
and do the same with their lisl Then
check the accuracy of the findings.
Use the links at classzone.com to do research about
GlS. Tak€ notes on the ways GIS can be used to provide
geographic information for mapmaking, site selection, and
simulating environmental ef Iects.
Creating a Multimedia Presentation Using the
inlormation you gathered about GlS, create a multlmedia
presentation explaining the va ous aspecis of GIS and
how it helps geographers and others solve problems.
Lookino ot the Earth 25