Map Projections

Map Projections

• A map projection is a way to represent the curved surface of the Earth on a 2D plane
• There are many types of map projections, each with its own strengths and weaknesses
• Some common map projections include:
  • Mercator projection: preserves angles and shapes well, but distorts size and scale near the poles
  • Gall-Peters projection: attempts to preserve size and shape, but distorts angles
  • Azimuthal projection: preserves shapes and angles well, but distorts size and scale

Map Scales

• Map scale refers to the ratio of the distance on the map to the corresponding distance in reality
• Map scales can be expressed as:
  • Verbal scale (e.g. "1 inch = 1 mile")
  • Representative fraction (e.g. 1:50,000)
  • Linear scale (e.g. 1 cm = 1 km)

Map Types

• Political maps: show country borders, capitals, and other political boundaries
• Physical maps: show natural features such as mountains, rivers, and lakes
• Topographic maps: show relief and elevation, often using contour lines
• Thematic maps: show specific data or patterns, such as climate, population, or economic activity

Map Elements

• Title: indicates the map's topic or region
• Legend: explains the symbols and colors used on the map
• Scale: indicates the ratio of distance on the map to reality
• Orientation: indicates the direction of north
• Grid: a network of lines that help locate points on the map
• Inset: a smaller map that shows a larger area or provides additional context

Map Projections

• Map projections represent the Earth's curved surface on a 2D plane
• Various map projections exist, each with strengths and weaknesses
• Mercator projection preserves angles and shapes but distorts size and scale near poles
• Gall-Peters projection preserves size and shape but distorts angles
• Azimuthal projection preserves shapes and angles but distorts size and scale

Map Scales

• Map scale is the ratio of distance on the map to the corresponding distance in reality
• Map scales can be expressed as verbal scales, representative fractions, or linear scales
• Verbal scale examples include "1 inch = 1 mile"
• Representative fraction examples include 1:50,000
• Linear scale examples include 1 cm = 1 km

Map Types

• Political maps show country borders, capitals, and other political boundaries
• Physical maps display natural features like mountains, rivers, and lakes
• Topographic maps show relief and elevation using contour lines
• Thematic maps display specific data or patterns, such as climate, population, or economic activity

Map Elements

• Title indicates the map's topic or region
• Legend explains symbols and colors used on the map
• Scale indicates the ratio of distance on the map to reality
• Orientation indicates the direction of north
• Grid is a network of lines that helps locate points on the map
• Inset is a smaller map that shows a larger area or provides additional context

Learn about different ways to represent the Earth's curved surface on a 2D plane, including Mercator, Gall-Peters, and Azimuthal projections.