Geography ~ a descriptive science dealing with the surface of the earth, its division into continents and countries, and climate~ Cardinal Directions North South East West Projections ~various plans to represent the earth~ Mercator Projection Robinson Projection Goode’s Interrupted Projection (Equal Area) Polar Projection Mercator Google images Robinson Goode’s Interrupted Polar Longitude & Latitude Longitude lines = Vertical lines & Meridians ~measures East and West (degrees) ~runs North and South ~longitude starts at 0 degrees, known as the Prime Meridian. Latitude lines = Horizontal & parallel lines ~measures North and South (degrees) ~runs East and West ~latitude starts at 0 degrees, known as the Equator Hemispheres Northern Southern Eastern Western Types of Maps Cartography: – Maps are produced by cartographers. Cartography refers both the study of maps and the process of map-making. Political – Boundaries – Cities & Capitals – Oceans Physical (Topography) – Deserts – Mountains – Lakes – Swamps/marsh land – Forests http://geography.about.com Absolute Location Definition: – A point on the earth's surface expressed by a coordinate system such as latitude and longitude. Example: – I need to find that treasure using absolute location, not by some silly written description on the back of this old map! http://geography.about.com Relative Location Definition: – A location of a place in relation to another place (i.e. south or downhill). Example: – The relative location of Kansas City, Missouri is just east of Kansas City, Kansas. http://geography.about.com