UNIT 1 LESSON MAPS &
PROJECTIONS
THE STUDENT WILL BE ABLE TO…
 Discuss the various functions of maps and understand what a
projection is.
 We’re only glancing at maps today b/c you did so much with them in
“True Maps, False Impressions.”
MAPS
Maps are the basic tool that geographers use to describe
where things are at.
A map is “a two-dimensional or flat-scale model of Earth’s
surface” (Rubenstein, 2014, p. 5).
The science of mapmaking is called “cartography.”
Present day geographers use computers and satellite imagery.
Maps can be used as either a reference tool or as a
communication tool.
EARLY MAPS & REFERENCE
Earliest maps were reference tools.
Used for navigation in getting from
Point A to Point B
Eratosthenes (276-194 B.C.E): 1st
person to use word Geography and
made one of earliest maps.
Ptolemy (C.E. 100-170): Made maps
that were not remade for about
1,000 years (No one improved on
them)
Remake of Eratosthenes map in from
the 1800’s
MAPS & COMMUNICATION
 Maps are still used today for
navigation, but we also use
them a lot for communication.
 The communication aspect
really comes into play during a
cholera outbreak (mentioned
in your textbook). We’ll
actually read a book 2nd
semester on this.
 See right how overlaying data
communicates data
differently.
MAP PROJECTIONS
The only way that a the Earth’s surface can be accurately
represented is through a globe. (3 dimensional)
Otherwise; the Earth’s surface is represented on a projection.
When you draw the Earth (sphere) on a 2 dimensional piece of
paper it creates distortion.
ALL maps have distortion! There are four types of a distortion,
a map can only eliminate three at most.
4 TYPES OF DISTORTION
Shape: “appears more elongated or squat than in reality”
Distance: “between two points may become increased or
decreased.”
Relative Size: “one area may appear larger than another on a
map but is in reality smaller.”
Direction: “from one place to another can be distorted”
(Rubeinstein, 2014, p. 9).
MAP TYPES/DISTORTION EXAMPLES
Mollweide
Projection
 Sizes are true,
but distorts
shapes.
Azimuthal
 Distorts direction
 Distances are correct
only from the center.
 Shape is distorted
Mercator
 One of the most common maps
 Direction is true
 Shape of landmass is true
 Size is distorted (mostly along top,
where less people live)
 Used in navigation
Robinson Projection: What’s in your textbook.
All four areas are distorted in an attempt to create balance.
SCALE
Scale answers the question of how much of the Earth’s surface
to show on a map.
Map scale will influence the detail and amount of area covered.
Map scale is presented in three ways:
 Ratio or fraction: Shows numerical ratio between distances on
the map and Earth’s surface 1/24,000 means one unit
 Written scale: describes the relationship between map and earth
distances in words; example 1 inch equals 1 mile on the map.
 Graphic scale: Bar line marked to show the distance.
SCALE
USES OF MAPS: CARTOGRAM
These are sulpher emissions per country. Countries are displayed larger based on the amount that they represent.
MAPS LIE
Maps often reflect the bias of the mapmaker; it’s not always
bad, they may eliminate things to emphasize other areas.
Sometimes, poor color choices, and how data is reported; it’s
intentional to mislead the viewer or reader.
Sometimes map lie because they simply aren’t clear.
Maps are often chosen based on the emotion that one is
seeking to evoke with them; especially when used in political
advertisements or in public speaking.
PRESIDENT
RONALD REGAN
ALWAYS USED
MERCATOR
PROJECTIONS
WHEN TALKING
ABOUT THE
U.S.S.R. (RUSSIA)
PRESIDENT
RONALD REGAN
ALWAYS USED
MERCATOR
PROJECTIONS
WHEN TALKING
ABOUT THE
U.S.S.R. (RUSSIA)