Maps and Culture, Landforms, and Climate

Point of View (POV)

• Cultures stress what is most important to themselves• Religion, Cities, Landforms

 • Ex.  Maps made in USA place North America in the center

o Ancient Chinese maps showed the Emperors point of view

Major Landforms

• Many maps will show major landformso Topography  and relief

Elevation Mountains at least 2,000 feet high

small populations Hills -- not as steep or high

o Rivers and lakeso deserts

generally low popluation 5 in of rain per year

Plains

Large areas of fairly level or gently rolling land.1. Generally of low elevation2. fertile soil (if enough rain)

 Inland Plains    Great PlainsCoastal Plains    Near the beach

Plateaus

1. High elevation2. Flat or gently rolling land3. Few hundred to several thousand feet in elevation

 4.  High elevation changes climate    Ex.  Mexico City            - located in tropical region            -  Temperatures are much lower in city than outside

Climate

1. The weather of a place over a period of 20-30 years   2. Climate affects culture

1.Clothing2.lifestyle

1.Ex. Siesta

Location and Climate

What is the climate like around the Equator?

What happens when you move farther away from the equator?  Why?

What happens to culture when you move away from the equator?

Coastal regions vs. inland regions

Elevation and Climate

Generally speaking...

Highlands are coolerLowlands are warmer

Why?

Look at climate map on page 778.