1.2 Maps and globes are models of Earth.

Maps show natural and human-made features.

§ Any map you use is a flat model of Earth’s surface, showing features as seen from above.

§ A globe represents Earth as it is seen from outer space. It shows relative sizes and shapes.

Land Features on Maps

§ A relief map shows how high or low each feature is on Earth.

§ Mountains- stand higher than the land around them. A group of mountains is called a mountain range. A group of mountain ranges is called a mountain belt.

§ Plateaus- have fairly level surfaces but stand high above sea level. Often found near mountain ranges.

§ Plains- gently rolling or flat land features. The U.S. has two types of plains: coastal and interior.

Scale and Symbols on Maps

§ The maps most often used are road and city maps.

§ A map scale relates distances on a map to actual distances on Earth’s surface. A scale can be expressed as a ratio, a bar, or equivalent units of distance.

§ A map legend, also called a key, is a chart that explains the meaning of each symbol used on a map.

Latitude and Longitude show locations on the Earth

§ Latitude is based on an imaginary line that circles the Earth halfway between the north and south poles called the equator.

§ Latitude is a distance in degrees north or south of the equator, which is 0 degrees.

§ Longitude is a distance in degrees east or west of the prime meridian, which is 0 degrees. The prime meridian stretches from the north to the south pole through Greenwich, England.

Global Positioning System (GPS)

§ A network of 24 satellites that find the latitude, longitude, and elevation of any site.

§ A computer inside a receiver uses the satellite signals to calculate the user’s exact location.

§ Used by: pilots, drivers, sailors, hikers, and map makers.

Map Projections

§ Distort the view of Earth’s surface.

§ Projection- a way of representing Earth’s curved surface on a flat map.

§ Cylindrical projection (Mercator)

§ Problem: They make areas farther away from the equator appear larger than they are.

§ Conic projections are based on the shape of a cone.

§ When the cone is flattened out, the latitude lines are curved slightly.

§ Most useful for mapping large areas in the middle latitudes, such as the U.S.

§ Problem: Distortion of landmasses near the equator and the poles.

§ Planar projections- Developed to help people find the shortest distance between two points.

§ Drawn as if a circle of paper were laid on a point on the Earth’s surface.

§ Sphere shape transferred to a flat map.

§ Good for plotting ocean or air voyages.

§ Problem: Landmasses farther away from the center point are greatly distorted.