Introduction to Maps

Key Concepts
1. How do geographers describe where things are?
2. Why is each point on earths unique?
3. Why are different places similar?
4. Why are some human actions not sustainable?
1.1.1: Explain differences between early maps and contemporary map.
1.1.2:  Describe the role of map scale and projections and making of maps (cartography)
1.1.3: Explain how latitude and longitude are used to locate points on earth surface.
Geography is the study of where things are found on earths surface and the reasons for their locations.
Human geographers ask 2 simple questions.
Where are people and activities found on earth?
Why are the found there?
Cartography is the science of map making
Maps are used as references and communication
Absolute location- exact location
Relative location- location relative to other locations
Earliest maps were reference tools
Simple navigation tools
First map prepared by Eratlosthenos (276-194 B.C.)
Improvements to the world map made by Ptolemy.
Advancements to the world map made by Europeans, Chinese, and Islams