Map and Map

Reading
Lesson 4
Learning Outcome
At the end of the lecture-discussion the
students are expected to;

1. State the origin, uses, and kinds of maps.

2. Illustrate map reading.
3. Compare and contrast the different types
map projections.
Definition of Terms
Map – is a picture or representation of the Earth’s surface, showing how things
are related to each other by distance, direction, and size.

Latitude – identifies locations or distances in degrees north or south of the

equator.

Longitude – identifies locations or distances east or west of the prime meridian.

Geographic Information System – a type of computer software that analyzes the

database and map information to find connections between them.

Map Projections – transfers the features of the earth’s surface through the
particular projection chose depending on its use.
What is a Map?
Map – is a picture or representation
of the Earth’s surface, showing
how things are related to each other
by distance, direction, and size.
A person who creates map as a
profession is called cartographer.
Uses of Maps
 It is used by people to find places they have not seen
It is used to locate local places near you
The scale on the map can help you determine the distance and the legend reveals
what a map symbol is.
With the use of map the direction in which you should walk can also be determined
With the use of political map we can see the different boundaries for every country
or city.
Kinds of Map
Topographic Maps

Maps show a 3 dimensional

world in 2 dimensions by using
contour lines.
It shows the mountains and
valleys of concentric circles
and lines
Many hikers, geologists, and
engineers use this kind of map
Geologic Maps
It is a map of different
types of rocks that are on
the surface of the earth
Geologist can determine
different rock formations
which can then be used to
find resources, oil, and
gravel deposits
Biogeographic
Maps
Scientists involved in the study
of animals, plants, and other
living organisms, they used this
kind of map to illustrate where
these organisms live or
migrate.
It is used to monitor
endangered species need to
know of migration have
become larger or smaller
through time.
Environmental
Maps
These types of maps include
maps that look at human’s
activity in urban and
metropolitan areas and the
environment in which we all
live.
It illustrates physiographic
features such as forests,
grassland, woodland, tundra,
ocean floor, grazing land, etc.
Meteorological
Maps
It shows climate, weather
and wind are types of
environmental maps.
Meteorologists,
oceanographers,
geographers, city planners,
and many others depend
on these maps to record
and forecast their specific
field.
Other Types of Maps
 General Map – displays where things are located and their qualities; combines
physical and political features
 Thematic Map – shows something in the surface of the earth, which cannot be
normally seen from aerial, and satellite photograph; some shows
natural and cultural features
 Political Map – shows man-made features such as boundaries of nations, states,
provinces, and countries
Maps for Special Purpose
Climate map - shows the temperature of a place
Population map – reveals the population density of a place
Economic map – shows the resources, products, and industries of a certain location
Vegetation map - displays vegetation of an area like forest, desert, oceans, etc.
Historical map – depicts exploration, territorial changes and other historical facts
Travel map – provides information on roads and other date important to travelers
Ocean map – provides data of tides, and other important matters concerning seas
Community map – shows streets, buildings and establishments of a specific place
Geographic
Information
System
- It is a type of computer
software
- The basis for this software is
a computerized map
- GIS shows where things are
located
- It is much more that a map
because it contains a database
of information about the
things on the map.
- Example: gemstone displays
in the museum
Types of
Map
Projections
Robinson
This map is known as a
‘compromise’, it shows neither
the shape or land mass of
countries correct. Arthur
Robinson developed it in 1963
using a more visual trial and
error development. It was only
at this point that he worked out
the mathematical formula. The
curved meridians, give it a nice
spherical look.
Mercator
This projection was developed by
Gerardus Mercator back in 1569
for navigational purposes. It’s
ability to represent lines of
constant course from coast to
coast made it the perfect map for
sailing the seas. Its popularity was
so great that it became used as a
geographic teaching aid even
though the projection grossly
distorts countries sizes. This is at
its worst the closer you are to the
poles. Greenland is 550% too big,
it should fit into Africa 14 times!
Planar, Azimuthal or
Zenithal projection

This type of map projection allows

a flat sheet to touch with the
globe, with the light being cast
from certain positions, including
the centre of the Earth, opposite to
the tangent area, and from infinite
distance.
Conic
Projection
Unlike cylindrical maps, conic
map projections are generally
not well-suited for mapping
very large areas. They are
more suitable for mapping
continental and regional areas.
It is a paper cone is placed on a
globe like a hat, tangent to it at
some parallel, and point source
of light at he center of the
glove projects the surface
features onto the cone
Cylindrical
Projection
It is a typical cylindrical
projection, one imagines the
paper to be wrapped as a
cylinder around the globe,
tangent to it along the equator.
Light comes from a point
source at the center of the
globe, or, in some cases, from
filament running from pole to
pole along the globe’s axis.
Locate the continent, country, and capital city.
MAP READING
Map Reading
Map reading (also sometimes written as map-reading) is the act of interpreting or understanding the
geographic information portrayed on a map.
The reader will need to derive essential information presented by the map such as distance, direction,
natural and man-made features, and topographical features.
GPS is an abbreviation for ‘Global Positioning System’ and it is a technology that was designed to operate
in such a manner that it provides info about time & location. Anyone who possesses a receiver for this
system can access it and use it anywhere. The system was first used in 1973 but it had numerous limitations
during this time period. In the present moment, almost all computerized devices, such as smart phones, are
incorporated with GPS which makes it easy for people to find their way around unfamiliar territory.
We can identify locations as precise points on the Earth’s surface by using a grid system of latitude and
longitude. The use of giving North and South direction (latitude) and an East and West direction (longitude)
is used through the world