b.Class Notes #3

Human Geography

Key issues
How do geographers describe where things are? By using maps, globes, GPS, etcetera.
Why is each point on Earth unique? Because every point has its own individual characteristics (topography, climate, etcetera).
Why are different places similar? Because of their latitude.
Why are some human actions not sustainable? -

1.1.1. Explain the differences between early maps and contemporary maps.
1.1.2. Describe the role of map scale and projections and projections and making maps (cartography).
1.1.3. Explain how latitude and longitude are used to locate points on Earth's surface.

Geography is the study of where things are found in Earth's surface and the reasons for the locations.
Human geographers ask two simple questions:

1. Where are people and activities found on Earth?
2. Why are they found there?

A map is a two-dimensional or flat-scale model of Earth's surface, or a portion of it.

Cartography is the science of mapmaking.

Maps serve two purposes:

1. As a reference tool to identify an object's absolute and relative location.
2. As a communications tool to convey the distribution of human activities or physical features.

Earliest maps were reference tools - simple navigation devices to show a traveler how to get from point A to point B.

First world map created by Eratosthenes (276-194 B.C.).

• Improvements to world map later made by Ptolemy.
• After Ptolemy, advancements in cartography primarily made outside of Europe by Chinese and Islamic world.
• Mapmaking revived during the age of Exploration and Discovery.