Map Projections and Types of Maps

Map Projections

• • Map projections distort aspects of the globe, such as direction, shape, area, or distance, leading to both accurate and skewed characteristics that influence geographical interpretation. Since a spherical object cannot perfectly fit a two-dimensional surface, distortions arise, guiding the development of various map-making techniques over centuries. Numerous map projections exist, each tailored for specific needs like navigation, education, or global analysis. Some prioritize area accuracy, while others retain true shapes or angles. For example, the Mercator projection maintains accurate angles, aiding maritime navigation by allowing straight-line plotting. Understanding these projections is crucial for analyzing geographical data effectively.Map Projections

• Good Homolosine - equal area pseudo-cylindrical projection, accurate size and shape, distorted distances near the edges

• Robinson - good for size and shape representation, distortion near the poles, spreading distortion across the entire map

• Gall-Peters - accurate size of landmasses but distorts shape and direction

Types of Maps

• Reference Maps - informational, show boundaries, geographic features, political boundaries, property lines
• Topographic Maps - show terrain and elevation changes using contour lines.
• Thematic Maps - display spatial patterns and data
  • Choropleth Maps - use color or shade of color to show data quantities
  • Dot Density Maps - place points on a map to show the distribution of data
  • Graduated Symbol Maps - use symbols of varying sizes to represent different quantities of data at different locations.
  • Isoline Maps - use lines to connect areas of similar data (e.g., weather maps with similar temperatures)
  • Cartogram Maps - show data with the greatest value represented by the largest area.
  • Flowline Maps - show movement of goods, people, animals, services, or ideas between different places.

Geographic Data & Collection Methods

• Remote Sensing - collecting information from satellites, used for understanding changes over time, useful for GIS data collection
• GIS - geographic information systems, analyze and display geographic data, create layered maps
• GPS - global positioning system, provides absolute location, used for navigation
• Field Observations - in-person observations, provide accurate data but can be costly and time-consuming
• Personal Interviews - ask individuals about their experiences, gather unique perspectives
• Media Reports - newspapers, online articles, or news stations, provide information about events and daily life
• Government Documents - laws, regulations, census data, provide information about systems and values of a place
• Travel Narratives - personal observations, insights into an individual's experiences and observations of places
• Landscape Analysis - studying images, photographs, videos of a place to understand environments and human impacts
• Photo Analysis - analyzing images captured by geospatial technology, photographs, or videos, for detailed understanding of a place

Types of Data

• Qualitative Data - subjective, word-form, open to interpretation, collected through observations and interviews
• Quantitative Data - objective, numerical, concrete, collected through surveys, census (demographic data)

Scale & Scale of Analysis

• Scale - distance on a map in relation to the Earth's surface (global, national, regional, local)
• Scale of Analysis - how geographic information is organized and presented. (global, national, regional, local)
• Small-scale maps - zoomed out, more generalization
• Large-scale maps - zoomed in, more detail

Regional Geography

• Region - a geographic area defined by unique characteristics or patterns of activity
• Formal (Uniform) Regions - common attributes, defined by economic, political, social, or environmental characteristics
• Functional (Nodal) Regions - organized around a node or center point, based on economic activity, travel, or communication
• Perceptual (Vernacular) Regions - defined by people's opinions, attitudes, or beliefs, subjective and can vary between people

This quiz explores the various map projections used in cartography and their specific applications, including the Mercator, Good Homolosine, Robinson, and Gall-Peters projections. Additionally, it covers the different types of maps such as reference, topographic, and thematic maps. Test your knowledge on how these projections and maps represent geographical data.