The Geographer’s Tools

The Geographer’s ToolsEratosthenes- calculated the

circumference of the earth around 255 B.C.

Geographer’s Tools: Maps and GlobesGlobe- a three-dimensional representation

of the earth◦A way to view the earth as it travels through

space◦Not always practical because they are not easily

portable Maps- two-dimensional graphic

representations of selected parts of the earth’s surface ◦Easily portable, can be drawn to any scale

needed◦Distortion occurs as the earth’s surface is

flattened to create the map

Geographer’s Tools: Maps and GlobesCartographer- a mapmakerMap projection- a way of drawing

Earth’s surface by presenting a round Earth on flat paper

Types of maps◦General reference maps, thematic

maps, and navigational maps

Who was the first person to calculate the circumference of the earth?

A. EmpedociesB. EratosthenesC. Protagoras

A globe is a two-dimensional graphic representation of selected parts of the earth’s surface.

A. TrueB. False

Mapmaking Surveying: observe, measure, and

record what is seen in a specific area (mostly done by aerial photography or by satellites)

Satellites- provide geographic date◦ Landsat: a series of satellites that orbit

more than 100 miles above Earth◦ Geostationary Operation Environment

Satellite (GOES): a weather satellite, flies in orbit in sync with Earth’s rotation

http://youtu.be/Ezn1ne2Fj6Y

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)A geographic information system

(GIS) lets us visualize, question, analyze, interpret, and understand data to reveal relationships, patterns, and trends

Global Positioning System (GPS)

Uses a series of satellites called Navstars, which beam information to the earth

The exact position-latitude, longitude, latitude, and time is then displayed on a hand-held receiver

http://youtu.be/fpPwMu3foGg

Geography SkillsFinding location

◦Magnetic compasses: introduced by the Chinese around the 1100s helped to accurately determine direction

◦Theodolite: a type of surveying instrument that precisely measures angles and distances on the earth

Geography SkillsScale: the relationship between

distance on a map and on the earth’s surface (a scale shows distance!)◦Small scale- shows a large area but

without much detail; used to see relative location in a region or between regions

◦Large scale- shows a small area with much more detail; used to see relative location within a region

Is this a large scale or small scale map?A. Small ScaleB. Large Scale

Geography Skills- Types of MapsPhysical Maps- maps that help

you see the types of landforms and bodies of water found in a specific area ◦Color, shading, or contour lines are

used to indicate elevation or altitude Political Maps-show features on

the earth’s surface that humans created◦May include cities, states, provinces,

territories, or countries

What type of map is this?

A. PoliticalB. Physical

Geography Skills-Types of MapsThematic Maps- focuses on

specific types of information◦Climate, vegetation, natural

resources, population density, and economic activities