Geography Chapter 2: Maps Flashcards

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.

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!