CH 3 Models of the Earth

CH 3 MODELS OF THE EARTH

TopicsKnow how latitude and longitude are set up (If given a

point you should be able to find a general location on the earth)

Map projections○ If given a projection you should be able to state what type

of projection it is○ Explain how the different projections distort the Earth

Be able to analyze a topographic map by indentifying landforms from the contour lines

Explain the difference between soil maps and geologic maps

If given any type of map you are able to make conclusions and analysis

Latitude and Longitude Points of Interest

North and South PoleEquator- Separates North and South Pole

Latitude Run East and West (run parallel) Parallel to the equator 0º Poles are 90º N and 90º S

1º = 60 minutes 1 minute = 60 seconds Washington DC 38º53 23 N

Longitude Angular distance east or west of the

prime meridian West-East locations Established by using meridians – a

semicircle that runs from pole to pole. Prime Meridian is 0º passes through

Greenwich, England

Magnetic Compass Pg 55 Figure 4 The needle of a compass points to the

geomagnetic north pole, not the Geographic North

Pg 56 1-7 Review

3.2 Mapping Earth’s Surface Cartography- the science of making

maps. A map is a flat representation of Earth’s

curved surface. Larger the map, the larger the distortionMap of USA vs. Map of America

Map Projections A flat map that represents the 3-D

curved surface of a globe.

Cylindrical Projections Meridians, or latitude lines, would

appear straight not curved Accurate near equator, not at poles Pg 58

Azimuthal (az uh MYOOTH uhl) Projections A horizontal look at a point on the earth. Used best for the N and S Pole Cause distortions with distance and

direction. Used in air travel

Great circle is shortest distance Pg 59

Conic Projections Areas near the parallel where the cone

and globe are in contract are distorted the least.

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Reading a Map N is always towards the top Compass Rose shows the cardinal

directions (N,S,E,W) Legend- gives symbols for features such

as rivers, mountains, and cities. Drawn to scale- MUST BE- represents

the relationship between the distance shown and the actual distance.

Isograms Meteorologists use them to show

changes in atmospheric pressure on weather maps(isobars)

Show areas that have similar measurements of precipitations, temp, gravity, magnetism, density, elevation, or chemical composition.

3.3 Types of Maps Topographic Maps

Most CommonShow the surface features, or topographyShow natural and unnatural featuresElevation- the height above sea levelPros- shows shape, size, and elevation

Question What’s the elevation at sea level?

Topography Maps Contour lines show elevation. Relief- The difference in elevation

between the highest and lowest points of the area being mapped.

Landforms Contour lines spaced widely apart

indicate that the change in elevation is gradual.

Closely spaced contour lines indicate that the change in elevation is rapid/steep

Pg 65 Figure 3

Landforms A contour line that bends to form a V

shaped valley, indicates a valley A closed loop indicates a hilltop or a

depression/dip

Symbols Built structures- black Highways- red Water- blue Forests- green Contour lines- black or brown Make sure to use the map key/legend

Geologic Maps Shows geologic features Show types of rocks, faults, folds, and

other structures

Soil Maps Based off of soil surveys The Natural Resources Conservation Service

is in charge of overseeing and compiling soil data.

Soil SurveysText, maps, and tablesText- general info about the geology, topography,

and climate of the areas being mappedTable- types and volume of soil in the areaMaps- detailed info about soil, and where they are

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