Maps and Mapping

1
Maps and Mapping
Chapter 1.3 Representing Earths Surface

• All maps have some part that will look distorted.
• This distortion is compensated for by producing
  multiple types of maps for multiple uses.

2
Latitude and Longitude

• Latitude is distance north and south of the
  equator.
• Longitude is distance east and west of the prime
  meridian.

3
Mercator Projection
Used by sailors. Shows DIRECTIONS accurately
4
Robinson Projection
Most widely used. Shows DISTANCES, SIZES and
SHAPES accurately.
5
Conic Projection
Used for road maps and weather maps. Shows SMALL
AREAS accurately.
6
Gnomonic Projection
Used by sailors and airplane navigators. Shows
the SHORTEST DISTANCE BETWEEN TWO POINTS
accurately.
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Map Types
Map Type Advantages Disadvantages
Mercator Projection (Rectangular) Rectangular longitude lines are parallel directions are shown accurately Sizes and distances distorted
Robinson projection (Oval) Most distances, sizes and shapes are accurate Distortions around the map edges
Conic Projection (Cone-Shaped) Great accuracy over small areas good for road and weather maps Lots of distortion on most of the map
Gnomonic Projection (Circular) Reliably shows the shortest distance between two points Exact distances and directions are distorted
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Project Map Quest
You have been given a number. According to your
number, you will be assigned one of the following
map types to make. Make a map of the type
assigned to you showing major continents and
latitude and longitude lines. You will be asked
to place/relate your map to a real globe and
explain how it is made and what its primary uses
are. Due in 1 week. Mercator Robinson Conic
Gnomic