Geography Chapter 2: Maps Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is Cartography?

The measurement of land areas.

The art, science, and technology of making maps. (correct)

The analysis of geographical information.

The study of climate patterns.

What does the geographic grid refer to?

A set of imaginary lines that intersect at right angles to form a system of reference for locating points on the surface of the earth.

Define Latitude.

The angular distance north or south of the equator, measured in degrees ranging from 0 degrees to 90 degrees.

What is the Prime Meridian?

An imaginary line passing through the Royal Observatory at Greenwich, England, and is the 0 degree longitude point. Signup and view all the answers

What does Longitude measure?

The angular distance east or west of the prime meridian measured in degrees ranging from 0 degrees to 180 degrees. Signup and view all the answers

The _____ is where each new day begins.

international date line Signup and view all the answers

What defines Globe Properties?

All of the above. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Map Projection?

Designates the way the curved surface of the globe is represented on a flat map. Signup and view all the answers

What is an Equal Areas, Equivalent Projection?

An area on a map that is proportional to an area on the earth. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Conformal Projections.

A type of projection that accurately portrays the shapes of small areas by preserving correct angular relationships. Signup and view all the answers

What are Equidistant Projections?

Projections that show true distance in all directions, but only from one or two central points. Signup and view all the answers

What do Azimuthal Projections show?

True directions from one central point to all other points. Signup and view all the answers

What are Topographic Maps?

A general purpose map that depicts the shape and elevation of the terrain. Signup and view all the answers

Define Contour Interval.

The vertical spacing between contour lines. Signup and view all the answers

What are Choropleth Maps?

A way to show how the amount of a phenomenon varies from area to area. Signup and view all the answers

What is an Area Cartogram?

The areas of units are drawn proportional to the data they represent. Signup and view all the answers

What is an Isoline?

Contour lines that connect points of equal elevation above mean sea level. Signup and view all the answers

What are Flow Line Maps used for?

To portray linear movement between places. Signup and view all the answers

Define Remote Sensing.

Detecting the nature of an object and the content of an area without direct contact with the ground. Signup and view all the answers

What are Landsat Satellites?

The best known remote sensing spacecraft used for various earth observation tasks. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Global Positioning System (GPS)?

A system to determine exact geographical locations based on the time delay in signals received from satellites. Signup and view all the answers

Define Geographic Information System (GIS).

A computer-based set of procedures for assembling, storing, manipulating, analyzing, and displaying geographically referenced information. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Geographic Database?

A digital record of geographic information from various sources. Signup and view all the answers

What is Scale in map-making?

The ratio between the measurement of something on the map and the corresponding measurement on the earth. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cartography and Geographic Concepts

Cartography: The art, science, and technology involved in making maps.
Geographic Grid: A system formed by imaginary intersecting lines, aiding in locating points on Earth's surface.

Latitude and Longitude

Latitude: Measured in degrees from the equator (0°) to the poles (90° north or south).
Longitude: Measures angular distance east or west from the Prime Meridian, ranging from 0° to 180°.
Prime Meridian: The 0° longitude line, located at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, England.
International Date Line: Generally follows the 180° meridian; marks where each new day begins.

Globe Properties

Meridians are equal in length and meet at the poles; they are true north-south lines.
Parallels of latitude are parallel to the equator and shorten as they approach the poles.
Meridians and parallels intersect at right angles, maintaining consistent scale in all directions.

Map Projections and Types

Map Projection: Techniques to represent the Earth’s curved surface on flat maps.
Equal Areas Projection: Maintains area proportions; shapes may be distorted.
Conformal Projections: Preserve shape for small areas, keeping angular relationships accurate.
Equidistant Projections: Show true distances from one or two central points but distort distances elsewhere.
Azimuthal Projections: Display true directions from a central point to other locations.

Types of Thematic Maps

Topographic Maps: Illustrate terrain shape and elevation, utilizing contour lines.
Contour Interval: Vertical spacing between contour lines, indicated on the map.
Choropleth Maps: Represent variation in a phenomenon across areas.
Area Cartogram: Area sizes adjusted to reflect specific variables (e.g., population, income).
Isoline: Lines connecting points of equal elevation on maps.

Movement and Remote Sensing

Flow Line Maps: Show linear movement between locations, can be qualitative or quantitative.
Remote Sensing: Method to gather information about an object or area without direct ground contact.
Landsat Satellites: Known remote sensing spacecraft that monitor various Earth features like deforestation and water quality.

Geographic Systems

Global Positioning System (GPS): Determines exact locations using signals from satellites.
Geographic Information System (GIS): A computer-based system for managing and analyzing geographically referenced data.
Geographic Database: A digital collection of geographic information from various sources.

Scale and Contours

Scale: The ratio relating measurements on a map to actual measurements on Earth.
Contour Line: Primary symbol on topographic maps representing elevation changes.

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Description

Test your knowledge of essential cartography terms with these flashcards. Chapter 2 covers key concepts such as geographic grids, latitude, and more. Perfect for reviewing before your geography exam!