Human Geography and Maps Overview

Introduction to Human Geography and Environment & Society

• Course unit 1 introduces human geography and environment & society
• Readings from Chapter 1 (pages 22-36), section 1.4
• The unit includes an overview, key concepts in human geography I & II, and the map
• A map is a two-dimensional graphical representation of the world
• It is a tool for both communication and spatial problem analysis

What are Maps?

• Maps are a critical tool requiring thoughtful consideration
• Maps are created by people and reflect inherent biases from the viewpoint of the creator
• They reflect agendas, interests, and biases of the people who made them
• Essential because they are abstractions of complex reality
• They simplify and represent reality in a scaled-down version
• Maps are partial, incomplete, and political
• Maps choices simplify to the significant aspects of the world for that purpose

Key Considerations for Producing and Understanding Maps

• Scale: Shows the relationship between reality and the map's representation. A smaller scale represents a larger area.
  • Scales are typically presented as a ratio (e.g., 1:50,000) or a representative fraction (e.g., 1/50,000).
• Perspective: How a map is oriented, including the use of a north arrow or a compass rose.
  • Maps' perspectives can be political and cultural, reflecting biases of the creator and intended audience. For example, an 'antipocentric' map positions the South to be central
• Projection: Methods of representing a three-dimensional sphere (Earth) on a two-dimensional map. Distortion is inherent due to this
• Tools: Modern-day mapmaking uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyze data and display complex information.

Map Types

• Dot Maps: show spatial concentrations or dispersions of a feature—e.g., the density, origins, or diffusion of a disease.
• Choropleth Maps: use color shading to communicate information—e.g. population density, growth/decline, aging.
• Isopleth Maps: connect locations of equal data value using color.
  • Show areas of equal rainfall, temperature, or frost zones.
• Cartograms: distort space to emphasize certain attributes, such as electoral outcomes or population sizes.

Wrapping Up

• Critical ways of reading and producing maps are essential:
  • Maps are abstractions of reality
  • They are used as cultural and political documents.
  • Maps are gateways to understanding history, power, human knowledge
  • Maps need to be considered in terms of scale, perspective, projections, tools and map types
• The next class will cover Cultural geography (Chapter 6, sections 6.1, 6.2, 6.4)