Ch 1: Map skills

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What is Magnetic North?

The direction towards the South Pole

The direction towards the Equator

The direction towards the geographic North Pole

The direction pointed to by a compass needle (correct)

What do closely spaced contours on a map indicate?

Deep valleys

Steep slopes (correct)

Gentle slopes

Flat plains

What do widely spaced contours on a map suggest?

Highlands

Steep slopes

Valleys

Gentle slopes (correct)

What is True North?

The direction along the Earth's surface towards the geographic North Pole Signup and view all the answers

What does magnetic declination indicate?

The angle between magnetic north and true north Signup and view all the answers

Why are contours important in map reading?

To identify landforms and their elevations Signup and view all the answers

What do convex and concave slope patterns on a map reveal?

Patterns of contour lines Signup and view all the answers

What are map projections used for?

To represent the curved surface of the earth on a flat map Signup and view all the answers

Which property is NOT one of the key properties cartographers strive to preserve in map projections?

Color Signup and view all the answers

Which type of map projection is useful for navigation but distorts shapes and distances, especially near the poles?

Mercator Projection (1569) Signup and view all the answers

What property does the Robinson Projection focus on preserving more realistically?

Shape Signup and view all the answers

Which map projection shows the true sizes of land masses but distorts their shapes?

Peters Projection (1972) Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of bearing in map skills?

Direction measurement from one location to another Signup and view all the answers

Which property is NOT a key consideration when creating map projections?

Flavor Signup and view all the answers

How do closely spaced contours on a map typically indicate the terrain?

Steep slopes Signup and view all the answers

What does magnetic declination help with in terms of navigation?

Ensuring accurate direction with a compass Signup and view all the answers

In regard to map scales, what does a ratio/number scale of 1:50,000 mean?

$1\ cm$ on the map represents $50,000\ m$ on the ground Signup and view all the answers

What do convex slopes on a map generally indicate?

Plateaus Signup and view all the answers

When measuring an angle with a compass, what is the purpose of drawing a line representing true north?

To establish a reference point for orientation Signup and view all the answers

Why are widely spaced contours important for map readers?

To highlight areas of gentle slopes Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of map scales when it comes to navigation?

Show the relationship between map distances and actual distances on the ground Signup and view all the answers

What do cartographers aim to preserve when creating map projections?

Shape, area, direction, and distance Signup and view all the answers

Which map projection is known for accurately showing angles and directions but distorting shapes and distances near the poles?

Mercator Projection Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the Robinson Projection in map representation?

Global shape realism Signup and view all the answers

In map skills, what is the measurement of the direction of one location from another called?

Bearing Signup and view all the answers

Which property does the Peters Projection focus on preserving in map projections?

Area Signup and view all the answers

Which type of projection distorts shapes and distances but is useful for navigation?

Mercator Projection Signup and view all the answers

What does a map bearing express in map skills?

Direction from one location to another Signup and view all the answers

Why do cartographers need to consider preserving distances in map projections?

To ensure regions are represented in true proportion to their actual size. Signup and view all the answers

What property is NOT a primary focus when creating map projections?

Color Signup and view all the answers

Why is the Robinson Projection criticized for distorting direction and distance on maps?

It fails to accurately depict angles and directions. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic makes the Mercator Projection particularly useful for navigation purposes?

It accurately represents the directions between locations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of drawing a line representing true north when measuring an angle with a compass?

To find the angle between magnetic north and true north Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of contours on a map helps in distinguishing between steep slopes?

Closely spaced contours Signup and view all the answers

What type of scale allows for direct reading of distances on a map without calculations?

Line scales Signup and view all the answers

In terms of map scales, what does a ratio of 1:50,000 indicate?

1 cm on the map represents 50,000 cm on the ground Signup and view all the answers

What do convex and concave slope patterns on a map primarily reveal?

Terrain shapes and features Signup and view all the answers

When using a compass for navigation, what does magnetic declination help in adjusting for?

The angle difference between magnetic and true north Signup and view all the answers

Why are widely spaced contours important for understanding topography?

To indicate gentle slopes Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate significance of identifying true north when using a compass for navigation?

Measuring angles accurately for orientation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why lines of latitude and longitude appear differently on a map projection?

To maintain the true shapes of regions Signup and view all the answers

Why is the Mercator Projection considered useful for navigation despite its distortions?

It accurately portrays angles and directions Signup and view all the answers

What is the main criticism directed at the Peters Projection map?

It favors developed nations over developing ones Signup and view all the answers

Which key property is most emphasized in the Robinson Projection map?

Preservation of area sizes Signup and view all the answers

Why do cartographers strive to maintain direction accuracy in map projections?

To accurately depict angles between locations Signup and view all the answers

In map skills, what does a bearing measurement indicate?

The direction from one location to another Signup and view all the answers