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Compare large-scale and small-scale maps.
Large-scale maps show small areas with high detail; small-scale maps show large areas with less detail.
Compare the Mercator and Peters projections.
Mercator preserves angles but distorts size; Peters preserves area but distorts shape.
Compare latitude and longitude.
Latitude lines run horizontally and measure north-south position; longitude lines run vertically and measure east-west position.
Compare early maps and contemporary maps.
Early maps were often symbolic and less accurate; contemporary maps are highly accurate and data-driven.
Compare ratio scale and written scale.
Ratio scale is expressed as a ratio (e.g., 1:25,000); written scale uses words (e.g., '1 inch equals 1 mile').
Compare Mercator and Robinson projections.
Mercator preserves shape and direction but distorts size, especially at poles; Robinson is a compromise projection that balances distortions.
Define 'map scale'.
The relationship between distances on a map and corresponding distances on the ground.
Define 'large-scale map'.
A map showing a small area with a high level of detail.
Define 'small-scale map'.
A map showing a large area with a low level of detail.
Define 'ratio scale'.
Map scale expressed as a ratio (e.g., 1:25,000).
Define 'written scale'.
Map scale using words to describe the relationship (e.g., '1 inch equals 1 mile').
Define 'graphic scale'.
A bar line on a map that represents actual distance.
Define 'map projection'.
A method used to represent the Earth's curved surface on a flat map, inevitably involving distortion.
Define 'latitude'.
Lines running horizontally around the Earth, measured in degrees north or south of the equator.
Define 'longitude'.
Lines running vertically from the North Pole to the South Pole, measured in degrees east or west of the Prime Meridian.
Define 'Prime Meridian'.
The 0° line of longitude, passing through Greenwich, England.
Define 'International Date Line'.
An imaginary line of longitude on the Earth's surface located at about 180 degrees east (or west) of the Greenwich Meridian.
What is the key characteristic of early maps?
Often symbolic, reflecting cultural views and less emphasis on accurate scale or direction.
What is the focus of contemporary maps?
High accuracy, using satellite imagery and GPS with a focus on precise measurements and data representation.
What is the purpose of map projections?
To minimize distortion when representing the Earth's curved surface on a flat map.
What distortions should be considered when analyzing a map?
Shape, distance, relative size, and direction.
What is the main advantage of the Mercator projection?
Preserves angles, making it useful for navigation.
What is the main advantage of the Peters projection?
Accurately shows the relative size of landmasses.
What is a key characteristic of the Robinson Projection?
It is a compromise projection that tries to balance distortions and is commonly used for world maps.
What does latitude measure?
Distance north or south of the equator.
What does longitude measure?
Distance east or west of the Prime Meridian.
What is the significance of the equator?
It is the 0° line of latitude, dividing the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
What are grid patterns?
Regular arrangements of objects or features in a grid-like structure, found in urban planning, agriculture, and landscaping.