Introduction to Maps
Introduced| English | Meaning |
|---|---|
| map/mæp/ | A selective spatial representation of an area, using symbols and a scale to show locations or relationships. |
| reference map/ˈrefrəns mæp/ | A map showing general locations and features, such as roads, settlements or boundaries, to help users locate places. |
| thematic map/θiːˈmætɪk mæp/ | A map designed to show the spatial distribution of a particular subject or variable. |
| projection/prəˈdʒekʃn/ | A method of representing the curved surface of the Earth on a flat map, introducing some distortion. |
| spatial pattern/ˈspeɪʃl ˈpætn/ | The arrangement of features or activities across an area, such as clustering, dispersion or a regular distribution. |
| clustered/ˈklʌstəd/ | Grouped closely together rather than spread evenly or randomly across an area. |
| dispersed/dɪˈspɜːst/ | Spread across an area or among separate locations rather than concentrated together. |
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.
Schematic reference and thematic maps; the density colours are illustrative.
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...
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It shows how one variable (literacy) varies across space — a thematic map.
Match each map to what it mainly shows.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Write from 1 centimetre representing 1 kilometre
- A map uses a scale of 1 to 100000.
- One kilometre on the ground is 100000 centimetres.
What ground distance does 1 centimetre on the map show?
The representative fraction compares map centimetres with ground centimetres.
What does 1 centimetre stand for on this map?
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100000 centimetres is 1 kilometre.