area is extreme. This means that many places around the world may appear smaller or larger than they actually are, depending on where on the map the place is located.
How is the Earth’s surface like an orange peel?
Any attempt to represent a sphere, like the Earth, in a flat representation results in distortions. The surface of the Earth is like the peel of an orange. When we try to take the “peel” of the surface of the Earth and lay that onto a flat piece of paper like a map, large, open areas are created. Mapmakers correct for these distortions, so there are as few distortions as possible. The strategies for correcting for these problems are referred to as “projections.”
In many types of projection maps, Greenland appears much larger than it actually is because of distortion caused by keeping the lines of latitude and longitude straight.
Why does Greenland appear larger on most maps than it actually is?
Because of the distortions that must appear on all maps, many maps place the distortion in the northern and southern extremes of the Earth. In one of the common projections, known as Mercator, Greenland appears to be similar in size to South America, despite the fact that South America is actually eight times larger than Greenland. The advantage of the Mercator projection is that the lines of latitude and longitude remain perpendicular; thus, the map is useful for navigation.
How can a legend help me read a map?
The legend, usually found in a box on the map, is information that explains the symbols used on a map. Though some symbols seem standard, like a railroad line, even those can be represented differently on different maps. Since there really are no standard symbols, each map’s legend should be consulted when reading a map.
Why is there often a cross next to the east direction on maps?
On old maps, a cross often sits next to the east direction on a compass rose. This cross represents the direction to Paradise and the Holy Land.
Where can I buy maps?
There are many places you can buy maps. Most brick-and-mortar and online bookstores offer an extensive collection of local and foreign travel maps, wall maps, and atlases. Also, many cities have specialty travel and map stores that offer a larger and more varied collection of maps, as well as maps of more exotic locales. Maps are also available to view or download at many websites. Just put in the name of the place, region, city, or country that you wish to find, and you will discover both maps that are either free or available for purchase. Look for the most up-to-date maps when selecting a map from more than one available vendor.
But what if I can’t find the map I’m looking for?
Not all maps can be found at bookstores or even in specialty stores. If you are looking for an extremely specific and relatively uncommon map, visit a local university’s map collection to obtain a copy. Their collections are often far greater in size and breadth than any store. If you need help locating a map, you should be able to discuss your map needs with a friendly map librarian. You can also try constructing a search on the Internet that is as specific as possible. Use advanced search options to filter out results so that you may find a precise and detailed map.
What are some interesting ways we can use maps?
When we superimpose data upon maps of all kinds, we are able to visualize data in a unique way and perhaps draw conclusions that we cannot see just by looking at tables, graphs, and raw data in columns. According to experts at the Washington Post in a blog post called “40 Maps That Explain the World,” some interesting maps include: the world’s major writing systems, the best/worst places to live, maps of world religions, language, psychological comparisons of people, early maps showing how countries were formed over time, racial tolerance/intolerance, and ethnic diversity.
What is the difference between relative and absolute location?
There are two different ways to describe where a place is located: relative location and absolute location. Relative location is a description of location using the relation of one place to another. For instance, using relative location to describe where the local grocery store is, you might say that it’s on Main Street, just past the high school. Absolute location describes the location of a place by using grid coordinates, most commonly latitude and longitude. For instance, the local grocery store would be described as being located at 23°23’57” North and 118°55’2” West.
Besides supporting telecommunication, how do satellites help us to understand our world?
Satellites capture images of the Earth’s weather patterns, the growth of cities, the health of plants, and even individual buildings and roads. Satellites circle the Earth, or remain geostationary (in the same place with respect to the Earth), and send data back to the Earth via radio signals.
How have satellites changed mapmaking?
Satellite images, which are accurate photographs of the Earth’s surface, allow cartographers to precisely determine the location of roads, cities, rivers, and other features on the Earth. These images help cartographers create maps that are more accurate than ever before. Since the Earth is a dynamic and ever-changing place, satellite images are great tools that allow cartographers to stay up-to-date.
Satellites have made much more detailed maps possible and are also actually easy to produce.
How old is Google Maps?
Google Maps first started in 2004, when Google acquired an Australian mapping-related company, Where 2 Technologies, which began the year before. Originally conceived as a downloadable piece of software, Google management transformed the software to purely Web based and began releasing developer versions (The Maps API) of the software in 2005 to further spawn development and use of maps to more sites and users. Google acquired several other firms in order to realize its dream of bringing maps of all kinds to all people. In 2008, Street View was introduced to give users a digital, street-level view of places of interest in all parts of the world, and it continues today.
How has GIS revolutionized cartography?
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) began in the 1960s with the popularity of computers. Though very simplistic in its beginning, new technology and inventions have expanded and enhanced the functions of GIS. GIS has revolutionized cartography by using computers to store, analyze, and retrieve geographic data, thus allowing infinite numbers of comparisons to be made quickly. The program formulates information into various “layers,” such as the location of utility lines, sewers, property boundaries, and streets. These layers can be placed together in a multitude of combinations to create a plethora of maps, unique and suitable to each individual query. The versatility of GIS makes it indispensable to local governments and public agencies.
How can GIS help my town?
Your community can use GIS on a day-to-day basis and in emergency situations. GIS allows public works departments, planning offices, and parks departments to monitor the status of the community’s utilities, roads, and properties. In an emergency, GIS can give emergency teams the information they need to evacuate endangered areas and respond to the crisis.
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