Physical Geography: Location and Spatial Tools
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Questions and Answers

How does the distance represented by one degree of longitude change as you move from the Equator to the Poles?

  • It remains constant at approximately 111 km.
  • It increases exponentially.
  • It decreases, converging to 0 km at the Poles. (correct)
  • It fluctuates depending on the season.

If you are located at 45°N latitude, which latitude zone are you in?

  • Polar Zone
  • Tropical Zone
  • Midlatitude Zone (correct)
  • Equatorial Zone

What distinguishes the Prime Meridian from all other meridians?

  • It is the 180° meridian and marks the International Date Line.
  • It is the 0° meridian from which all other longitudes are measured. (correct)
  • It is the only meridian that is not used for timekeeping.
  • It is the only meridian that is a complete circle.

Which of the following statements is true regarding meridians?

<p>Meridians connect the North and South Poles. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A ship's captain reports their location as 15°N latitude and 30°W longitude. According to this information, the ship is located:

<p>In the Northern Hemisphere, west of the Prime Meridian. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A map with a scale of 1:24,000 is considered a large-scale map. What does this imply about the level of detail and the area represented on the map?

<p>It shows a small area with a high level of detail. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following map scales would be most suitable for navigating a hiking trail in a local park, requiring a high level of detail?

<p>1:24,000 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a map has a verbal scale of '1 inch equals 10 miles', and two towns appear 3.5 inches apart on the map, what is the actual distance between the towns?

<p>35 miles (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A cartographer needs to create a map that shows the entire continent of Africa. Which type of map scale would be most appropriate for this purpose?

<p>Small Scale (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

On a map with a scale of 1:50,000, two landmarks are 4 cm apart. What is the actual distance between the landmarks on the ground?

<p>2 km (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)?

<p>To determine precise locations using a network of satellites and receivers. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Approximately how many satellites are part of the Global Positioning System (GPS) network, ensuring global coverage?

<p>24 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Equatorial plane (Equator) in the geographic grid system?

<p>It is the parallel of 0 degrees latitude, dividing the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are the North and South Poles considered natural reference points for geographic measurements?

<p>They are the points where all lines of longitude converge. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the measurement of latitude represent in the geographic grid system?

<p>The angular distance north or south of the Equator. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If you travel one degree of latitude, approximately how far have you moved in kilometers?

<p>111 km (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do signals from GPS satellites pinpoint a location on Earth?

<p>By overlapping signals from at least four satellites to triangulate the receiver's position. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes latitude from longitude?

<p>Latitude lines are parallel to the Equator, while longitude lines converge at the poles. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A cartographer's primary role is best described as:

<p>Displaying spatial information clearly and effectively. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is a globe considered the most accurate representation of the Earth?

<p>Globes preserve the correct shape and spatial relationships of features. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the defining characteristic of a thematic map?

<p>It focuses on one or a few specific types of information or themes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a map shows lines connecting points of equal atmospheric pressure, those lines are called:

<p>Isobars. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes a key difference between parallels and meridians?

<p>Parallels are equidistant from each other and never meet, while meridians are furthest apart at the Equator and converge at the poles. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate ground distance represented by one degree of latitude?

<p>Approximately 111 km (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of map would be most useful for determining the steepness of a hill?

<p>Topographic map. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does the International Date Line (IDL) meander instead of following the 180th meridian perfectly?

<p>To avoid splitting island groupings and their schedules. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A map uses lines to show areas with the same amount of rainfall. What are these lines called, and what type of map is it?

<p>Isohyets on an isoline map. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What information do spot elevations provide on a topographic map?

<p>Precise elevation at specific points. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of the Equator?

<p>It is the natural baseline for measuring latitude. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do closely spaced contour lines on a topographic map relate to the terrain?

<p>They indicate a steep slope. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the quote from Alfred Korzybski, what makes a map useful?

<p>Its similar structure to the territory it represents. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If you are located at 40° North latitude, approximately how many kilometers represent one degree of longitude at your location?

<p>85 km (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Prime Meridian?

<p>To serve as the baseline for measuring longitude. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies the use of absolute location in geographical studies?

<p>Using GPS coordinates to pinpoint the exact location of a research site. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is studying urban heat islands and needs to compare temperature data from different cities. What tool would be most effective for visualizing and analyzing this spatial data?

<p>A geographic information system (GIS). (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When creating a small-scale map of the world, what distortion is least likely to occur?

<p>Color of oceans. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A remote sensing specialist is tasked with assessing deforestation rates in the Amazon rainforest. Which type of data would be most suitable for this project?

<p>Satellite imagery capturing changes in vegetation cover. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following coordinate pairs represents a location in the Southern Hemisphere?

<p>15°S, 30°E (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does map scale influence the level of detail and the area represented on a map?

<p>Larger scale maps show smaller areas with more detail. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A geographer is using aerial photography to study the impact of urbanization on local ecosystems. Which aspect of spatial inquiry does this research method primarily address?

<p>Mapping and monitoring land cover changes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

You are tasked with creating a map to show commute times in a city. Which map projection would be MOST suitable to minimize distortion of distances for calculating travel times accurately?

<p>An Azimuthal Equidistant projection centered on the city. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Geographic Grid

A system using latitude and longitude to locate places.

Absolute Location

A precise location defined by latitude and longitude coordinates.

Relative Location

A location defined by its position relative to another place.

Map Projection

A method of representing the curved surface of the Earth on a flat map.

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Map Scale

The ratio of distance on the map to the actual distance on the ground.

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GPS

Global Positioning System used for determining exact location globally.

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Remote Sensing

The acquisition of information about an object from a distance, usually via satellites.

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Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

A system for capturing, analyzing, and managing spatial and geographic data.

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Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)

A system of satellites and receivers used to determine location in a geographic grid.

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Satellites' Orbit

24 satellites orbit Earth every 12 hours to provide location data.

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Location Pinpointing

Signals from up to four satellites overlap to determine exact location.

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Equator

The parallel of 0 degrees latitude, serves as a key reference point.

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Latitude Definition

Latitude is the angle ranging from 90° N to 90° S, measured in degrees.

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Parallels

Lines that indicate latitude, located north or south of the Equator.

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1° Latitude Distance

1 degree of latitude equals approximately 111 kilometers.

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Significant Latitudes

Key lines of latitude that influence climate and geography.

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Longitude

Vertical lines on Earth's surface, measured in degrees east or west from the Prime Meridian.

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Prime Meridian

The 0° longitude line that divides the Eastern and Western Hemispheres.

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Meridians

Lines of longitude that run from pole to pole.

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Latitude's Distance

1° of latitude equals approximately 111 km at the equator.

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Graphic Map Scale

A visual representation of scale on a map, usually a line marked with distances.

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Fractional Map Scale

A scale expressed as a ratio of map distance to ground distance without units, like 1:50,000.

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Verbal Map Scale

A statement describing the relationship between map distance and ground distance, e.g., 1 cm = 10 km.

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Small Scale Map

A map that shows a large area with less detail, like 1:100,000 or smaller.

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International Date Line

Line at 180 degrees longitude marking the boundary for calendar days.

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Distance of Latitude

1 degree of latitude equals approximately 111 km.

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Distance of Longitude

1 degree of longitude varies in distance based on latitude.

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Polar Convergence

Meridians converge at the poles, while parallels never meet.

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Cartography

The art and science of map making.

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Cartographer

A person who creates and studies maps to display spatial information.

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Globe

The most visually complete and accurate representation of the Earth.

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Thematic Map

A map that shows one or a limited number of types of information.

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Isolines

Lines connecting points of equal value on a map.

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Isobars

Isolines that show atmospheric pressure on a map.

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Isotherms

Isolines that indicate temperature on a map.

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Topographic Map

A map that uses elevation contours to show the terrain's shape.

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Study Notes

Physical Geography and Spatial Inquiry

  • This section is part of a course called GEOG 1290, Introduction to Physical Geography, offered by the Department of Environment and Geography at the University of Manitoba.
  • The course is taught by Janna Wilson and Lisa Ford.
  • Lecture materials, course notes, and educational resources are for personal, educational use and private study. Further reproduction or distribution is prohibited without explicit permission.
  • Geographers use tools and spatial phenomena to represent location, imaging of Earth (remote sensing), Geographic Information Systems (GIS) models and statistics.

Tools in Geography

  • Location: Determining location using GPS, geographic grid, and map scale.
  • Cartography: The art and science of map-making. Cartographers focus on efficiently displaying spatial information.
  • Absolute Location: Precise system for locating a place in space (latitude and longitude).
  • Relative Location: Reference a place in comparison to another location.
  • Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS): System of satellites used to determine location (using 24 satellites orbiting Earth every 12 hours). GPS is a specific GNSS used in the U.S. and Canada.
  • Geographic grid:
    • Spatial reference points include the Equatorial plane (the Equator), and the North and South Poles.
    • Latitude lines are called parallels (run east-west) and longitude lines are called meridians (run north-south).
  • Latitude:
    • Measured in degrees (90°N to 0° to 90°S).
    • 1 degree of latitude equals 111 kilometers.
  • Longitude:
    • Measured in degrees (180°E to 0° to 180°W).
    • 1 degree of longitude varies at different latitudes. It's furthest apart at the Equator.
  • International Date Line: Meanders slightly to avoid splitting island groups with different dates.

Imaging Earth

  • Remote sensing: measuring properties of the environment without direct contact.

    • Passive remote sensing (e.g, cameras) detects emitted energy from Earth's surface.
    • Active remote sensing (e.g., radar) emits radiation and analyzes reflected energy.

  • GIS (Geographic Information Systems): Systems for storing, analyzing, and manipulating spatially referenced data.

  • GIS layers: A collection of individual database layers.

  • The data layers represent specific geographic measurements (e.g., vegetation, soils, road networks, and hydrology).

  • The layers are combined for analysis or display.

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Related Documents

GEOG 1290 Section B F2024 Physical Geography PDF

Description

Explore geographic tools like GPS and GIS for spatial analysis in physical geography (GEOG 1290). Learn about cartography, absolute location using latitude/longitude, and relative location. Understand spatial phenomena and Earth imaging techniques.

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