Working with an Atlas

Terms and definitionsContents- the first pages of an atlas where you can find Thematic maps, Topographic maps, and the locations to climate, physical, and political information.

►Gazeteer- (Also known as a glossary). A geographical dictionary or directory, for information about locations, map page numbers, and place names.

►There are two types of glossary’s in the Atlas. One of Canadian locations and one of world locations.

►An example looks like this:Calgary 41 E2 51° 6' N 114°

1' W (place name) (pg #) (graphic location) (longitude and

latitude)

►Thematic maps – a simple map made to reflect a particular theme about a geographic area. IE: Physical, economic, manufacturing, agricultural etc.

►Thematic maps are data driven. Ie: Amount of rainfall, thunderstorms, doctors per capita.

►Topographic maps – is a type of map characterized by large-scale detail and shows land formations using contour lines and different colours.

*Traditionally topographic maps show both natural and man-made features.

Longitude and Latitude

Prime Meridian, Tropic of Cancer, Tropic of Capricorn

► Prime Meridian-is the meridian at which longitude is defined to be 0°.

►Equator – the meridian at which latitude is defined to be 0°.

► Latitude- To find latitude, find the equator. Determine if the city is North or South of the Equator.

► Longitude- Find the Prime Meridian. Determine if the city is East or West of the Prime Meridian.

►As a class practice questions:►Is Ottawa North or South of the

Equator?►Is Australia North or South of the

Equator?►Is Moscow, Russia East or West of the

Prime Meridian?►Is Brazil East or West of the Prime

Meridian?►Explain where Edmonton is located.►Explain where Tokyo, Japan is located.

►Tropic of Cancer- the northernmost latitude at which the sun can appear directly overhead at noon. - Located at 23.5°N

►Tropic of Capricorn- the most southerly latitude at which the sun can appear directly overhead at noon. – Located at 23.5°S

Graphic Locations

►Graphic locations are like playing battleship!

► Look at the world political map on the inside cover. Look at the letters across the top and the numbers at the sides. These are you battleship graphic locations.

► LONGITUDE will be shown through letters.

► LATITUDE will be shown through numbers.

►Example: Calgary, Alberta – Page 41 is located at E2.

PRACITCE- World Map page 110-111

►Find the graphic location of:►Canberra, Australia __________►Moscow, Russia ____________►Ottawa, Canada ____________►Peru, Lima _____________►South Georgia, UK (East of

Argentina) _________►Tokyo, Japan ____________►Colombo, Sri Lanka ____________