Cartography: The Art & Science of Maps It is often said that a picture is worth thousand words, but a map

can be worth a million. H.J. de Blij Cartography is about depicting geographic knowledge graphically on maps. It is an intimate part of geography. It is the best way to learn about a regions fundamental dynamics. A map is a form of communication, a report. Basic Cartography (D.O.G.)Latitudes are East-West, Equator = 0 (D.O.G.)Longitude is North-South. (D.O.G.)The Prime Meridian or Greenwich Line is 0. (D.O.G.)The International Date Line is halfway at 180. (D.O.G.)A Projection is a mathematical way of putting the earth on paper. (This is a relief map, because of the way it shows elevation changes on the land.) Cartographythe art and science of making maps GISGeographic Information Systemsusing a computer program to analyze the varying layers of a spatial perspective
Projections are mathematical ways of putting the earth on paper. The earth is NOT a flat piece of paper. In the attempts to flatten our sphere, distortions will happen. GIS is also used for composing and printing maps. This is a relief map, because it shows elevation changes on the land.

(D.O.G.)ScaleThe ratio between map distance and real-world distance (D.O.G.)Mercator Projection It distorts the poles so that Greenland is the size of South America. (D.O.G.)A Robinson projection it tries to preserve the sphere by removing the poles. (D.O.G.)Goodes projection which preserves the sphere by cutting it up like an orange peel. This does leave large inconsistencies (e.g. gaps) in the map. Why Assign Maps? 1. It is the best way to learn regional geography 2. This is a practice for the real working world Sloppy work means demotion or lack of employment Good work equals proof of following instructions and being responsible Extra credit shows management that you are a hard worker. You are willing to give that extra bit to make a project not goodbut great Learn now and profit later. Goof off now and you may will not be going

anywhere. Region Map Requirements

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Title North Arrow Scale Legend/Key Sources Author/Sponsor Date

This map is a good map because it has all of the map requirements. In this case it has both a legend and a vegetation key. It also has both an author and a sponsor. (Often maps produced commercially only have the name of the company that produced it. Sometimes that will include a separate sponsor as well. The individual cartographer usually does not have his/her name attached to the map in these cases.) Cartographic Techniques Lettering neatly placed Lettering fits within the lines of both the map and the islands Size of water bodies reflected in the size of the text Arrow, scale and sources are aligned symmetrically Arrow to location only used where the space is too small for text Is this the perfect map? Well, like art, that is a matter of opinion. However, it is a complete map of the country of Japan. If there is an imperfection it is in not showing the parts of Asia that neighbor it. Which brings up, what is the purpose of this map? For this map, it is a teaching tool, and for this function it is a good map. To discuss the potential military threats to Japan or its land cover, it would be grossly inadequate. Bad Example 1 Water is blue (e.g. Rivers should not be brown, pink, red, or orange) Draw and Identify the entire river (e.g. The Nile does not end in Sudan.) Label neatly Label accurately (e.g. Asia Minor is not in China) Crayon is not professional No scale or date If I had assigned this as his boss, he would definitely be headed down to the mailroomno promotion Bad Example 2 Oceans are blue (If you must color, do it correctly.)

Using number or letters as label keys is only accepted if the maps location is too small Symbol use inappropriate (e.g. the use of the star symbol is for capitals, and of triangles are for mountains not rivers) No scale or date If I was the boss, this person would have to re-do the project, and may not get a raise. Follow instructions!

Good example
Lettering neat Colors appropriate Use of symbols appropriate Region map requirements obvious All C.A.T.s are on the map Very well organized
This person would probably get a raise. However this person did not do the extra credit, so probably no promotion.

Summation 1 Longitudes: Prime Meridian = 0, Date Line = 180 Latitudes: Equator = 0

Summation 2 Region Map Requirements Title North Arrow Scale Legend/Key Sources Author/Sponsor Date Common Sense Neat Accurate Organized Appropriate colors Appropriate symbols Thorough Professional

Homework on the next page

Homework: World Map assignment in the Homework folder

World Map C.A.T.s Continents: North America South America Europe Asia Africa Australia Antarctica Oceans: Atlantic Pacific Indian Arctic

Equator Prime Meridian (Remember that it goes through Greenwich, England)

FYI: Spelling counts!