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D199 INTRODUCTION to PHYSICAL and HUMAN GEOGRAPHY ROAD MAP SECTION 1 WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY
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D199 INTRODUCTION to PHYSICAL and HUMAN GEOGRAPHY ROAD MAP SECTION 1 WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY
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D199 INTRODUCTION to PHYSICAL andHUMAM GEOGRAPHY ROAD MAP
SECTION 1 WESTERN GOVERNORS
UNIVERSITY
, ROADS MAPS SECTION 1
Lesson 1: Messages of Visual Representation Main learning objective: Interpret the purpose and
significance of a two or three-dimensional map.
Purpose and SigniFIcance of Two and
Three-Dimensional Maps
Maps are essential tools for understanding the spatial relationships of the
world around us. They come in two main types: two-dimensional (2D) and
three-dimensional (3D) maps. Each type has its unique purpose and
significance
Two-Dimensional Maps
Two-dimensional maps, also known as planimetric maps, represent the
Earth's surface in two dimensions: length and width.
Purpose:
• Navigation: 2D maps are commonly used for navigation, helping
users to understand the layout of an area and find their way from one
point to another.
• Planning and Development: They are also used in urban planning,
land use, and development projects.
Significance:
• Simplicity: 2D maps are simple to read and interpret, making them
accessible to a wide range of users.
• Wide Application: They are used in a variety of fields, including
geography, history, and environmental studies.
Three-Dimensional Maps
Three-dimensional maps, also known as topographic maps, represent the
Earth's surface in three dimensions: length, width, and height (or depth).
Purpose:
• Terrain Representation: 3D maps are used to represent the physical
features of an area, including its elevation and relief.
• Scientific Research: They are often used in scientific research, such as
geology and hydrology, to study the Earth's physical features.
Significance:
• Detailed Information: 3D maps provide a more detailed and realistic
representation of an area, including its physical features and variations
in elevation.
• Visual Appeal: They are visually appealing and can provide a more
immersive experience for the user.
,In conclusion, both 2D and 3D maps serve important roles in our
understanding of the world. While 2D maps provide a simple and
straightforward representation of an area, 3D maps offer a more detailed
and realistic view of the Earth's physical features.
• Develop a general understanding of reference maps, thematic maps, and scale, including large-
scale and small-scale maps
Reference Maps
Reference maps are designed to show the location of geographical features.
They are often used in a variety of contexts, from educational settings to
navigation. These maps typically include features like roads, boundaries, and
physical features such as rivers and mountains.
Usefulness: Reference maps are useful for understanding the geographical
context of a place. They can help you navigate from one location to another,
identify the boundaries of a region, or understand the physical features of a
landscape.
Thematic Maps
Thematic maps, on the other hand, are designed to show a particular theme
connected with a speci昀椀c geographic area. These maps could display
anything from population density, rainfall distribution, or the spread of a
disease.
Usefulness: Thematic maps are useful for visualizing data in a geographical
context. They can help researchers identify patterns and trends that might
not be immediately apparent from raw data. For example, a thematic map
showing the spread of a disease can help public health o昀케cials identify
hotspots and plan interventions.
Scale
Scale refers to the relationship between distance on the map and the
corresponding distance on the ground. It's usually represented as a ratio,
such as 1:100,000, which means that 1 unit on the map corresponds to
100,000 units on the ground.
Large-Scale Maps
Large-scale maps show a relatively small area of the earth's surface, but in
great detail. For example, a city map is a large-scale map.
Usefulness: Large-scale maps are useful for detailed planning and
navigation within a small area. They can show features like individual
buildings, street names, and even footpaths.
, Small-Scale Maps
Small-scale maps show a large area of the earth's surface, but with less
detail. For example, a world map is a small-scale map.
Usefulness: Small-scale maps are useful for understanding broad trends
and patterns, or for getting an overview of a large area. They can show
features like countries, major cities, and large bodies of water.
Map Type Description Usefulness
Reference Show location of geographical Navigation, understanding geographical
Maps features context
Thematic Show a particular theme
Visualizing data in a geographical context
Maps connected with a geographic area
Large-Scale Detailed planning and navigation within a
Show a small area in great detail
Maps small area
Small-Scale Understanding broad trends and patterns,
Show a large area with less detail
Maps getting an overview of a large area
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• Understand the geographic coordinate system, including longitude, latitude, International Date
Line, prime meridian, and the equator.
Geographic Coordinate System
The Geographic Coordinate System is a system that enables every location
on the Earth to be speci昀椀ed by a set of numbers or letters. It is a method
used in geography that enables every location on Earth to be speci昀椀ed by a
set of three numbers called coordinates. These numbers are often measured
in degrees.
Longitude and Latitude
Longitude and latitude are the two coordinates that de昀椀ne a speci昀椀c point on
the Earth's surface.
• Latitude is a measure of how far north or south of the equator a place
is located. The equator is de昀椀ned as 0 degrees latitude. The furthest
you can go in either direction is 90 degrees. North of the equator is
positive latitude (up to 90 degrees) and south of the equator is
negative latitude (down to -90 degrees).
• Longitude is a measure of how far east or west of the prime meridian
a place is located. The prime meridian is de昀椀ned as 0 degrees
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