Introduction to Maps
Introduced| English |
|---|
| map/mæp/ |
| reference map/ˈrefrəns mæp/ |
| thematic map/θiːˈmætɪk mæp/ |
| projection/prəˈdʒekʃn/ |
| spatial pattern/ˈspeɪʃl ˈpætn/ |
| clustered/ˈklʌstəd/ |
| dispersed/dɪˈspɜːst/ |
Every map is a choice
- A map 地图 is a flat picture of part of the round Earth.
- You cannot show a whole sphere on flat paper without changing something.
- So every map leaves things out and stretches others — it is selective.
Two families of map
- A reference map 参考地图 shows fixed locations — roads, borders, cities.
- A thematic map 专题地图 shows how one thing changes across space — rainfall, income, population.
- AP Human Geography uses thematic maps all the time.
Reference map or thematic map?
Sort each map as a reference map (shows locations) or a thematic map (shows a variable).
A map that shades each country by its literacy rate is a...
It shows how one variable (literacy) varies across space — a thematic map.
Match each map to what it mainly shows.
Reference = locations; thematic = a variable; Mercator = direction (with area distortion).
Projections distort
- A projection 投影 is the method used to flatten the globe onto paper.
- Every projection distorts shape, area, distance, or direction — you can never keep all four.
- The Mercator projection keeps direction (good for sailing) but makes polar areas look huge.
It is possible to draw a flat map with no distortion at all.
Flattening a sphere always distorts shape, area, distance, or direction — you can never keep all four.
The ____ projection keeps direction correct but greatly enlarges areas near the poles.
Mercator preserves direction for navigation but distorts area badly at high latitudes.
A map is never neutral. Because every map is selective and distorted, it can inform or mislead. Always ask: who made it, what did they choose to show, and what did they leave out?
Reading patterns on a map
- A spatial pattern 空间格局 is how things are arranged on the map.
- Points can be clustered 聚集 (bunched), dispersed 分散 (spread out), or linear (in a line).
- Maps also show distance and direction, both absolute (exact) and relative (compared to other places).
Select all spatial patterns points can form on a map.
Points can be clustered, dispersed, or linear; "invisible" is not a spatial pattern.
On a Mercator map, Greenland looks about the same size as Africa. In reality Africa is about 14 times larger. The projection stretches areas near the poles enormously — a perfect example of distortion.
A map flattens the round Earth, so every map is selective and uses a projection that distorts shape, area, distance, or direction. Reference maps show locations; thematic maps show a variable. Reading the spatial pattern is the first step in explaining why it exists.