Basic Tools and Methods of Human Geographers

Observation Information must be

collected and data recorded Methods:

Fieldwork Use of scientific

instruments Laboratory

experiments Archival searches Remote sensing

Aerial photography or satellite imagery designed to record data on visible, infrared, and microwave sensor systems

Visualization or Representation Written descriptions Charts Diagrams Tables

Analysis Heart of geographic

research Objective analysis is to

discover patterns and establish relationships so that hypotheses can be established and models be built

Remote Sensing: acquisition of data about earth’s surface from satellite images are transmitted in digital form. Example: used with Hurricane Katrina to monitor areas

of impact

Using today’s technology GIS:

a computer system that can capture, story, query, analyze, and display geographic data.

Primary requirement for data to be used in GIS is that the location variables are known Any variable that can be

located spatially can be fed into GIS

Data capture- putting the information into the system Most time consuming Farmed out to “cheap” labor

countries

Layers of a GIS

A geographic information system (GIS) stores information about a location in several layers.

Each layer represents a different category of information.

Geographical Information Systems

GIS technology can render visible many aspects of geography there were previously unseen Images that could

never be drawn by hand

GIS can put places under the microscope, creating detailed new insights using huge databases

Military applications Allows infantry

commanders to calculate line of sight from tans and defensive emplacements

Allows cruise missiles to fly below enemy radar

GIS allows an enormous range of problems to be addressed

Geodemographic research Uses census and

commercial data about the populations of small districts in creating profiles for market research

STOP North turn to South: Discuss

whether all the new technology can eliminate old school maps?

History of the Map

2300 B.C.E. Babylonians

800 B.C.E. Turkish map

ocean currents

500 B.C.E. 1st geography

book commissioned

•Important Names:

•Aristotle- determined that the earth was spherical

•Eratosthenes- coined the word “geography” and determined the circumference of the world

Maps

Uses Describe data Sources of data Tools for analysis

Representations of the world Usually two-

dimensional graphic representations that use lines and symbols to convey information or ideas about spatial relationships

Types of Maps

Topographic Maps Designed to

represent Earth’s surface and to show permanent features such as buildings, highways, field boundaries, and political boundaries Device for representing

the form of Earth’s surface is the contour A line that connects

points of equal distance above or below a zero data point, usually sea level

Types of Maps

Reference Maps Show common features such

as boundaries, roads, and mountains

Thematic Maps Designed to represent the

spatial dimensions of particular conditions, processes, or events

Isopleth maps Maps based on isolines A line that connects

places of equal data value

Dot maps Single dot or other

symbol represents a specified number of occurrences of some particular phenomenon or event

Choropleth map Tonal shadings are

graduated to reflect variations in numbers, frequencies, or densities

Thematic Maps

Isoline: line represents constant quantity (ex: elevation)

Proportional Symbol: size of symbol rep relative magnitude of value

Dot Map: dots show specific location of occurrences

Coropleth: uses color to rep data Cartogram: transform country size

relative to data

CARTOGRAM - POPULATION

COROPLETH MAP

STOP South turn to North: Discuss the

need for so many different types of maps

Map Scale:

refers to the relationship of a feature’s size on a map to its actual size on earth

Ratio between linear distance on a map and linear distance on Earth’s surface Usually expressed

in terms of corresponding lengths: as in one centimeter

equals one kilometer

or as a representative fraction Small scale maps=

bigger fraction Large scale maps =

smaller fraction

Scale Differences: Maps of Florida

The effects of scale in maps of Florida. (Scales from 1:10 million to 1:10,000)

Types of Scale

a. Fractional- shows the

numerical ratio between distances on the map on earth’s surface

*example: 1:24,000

Means 1 map unit= 24, 000 units on ground

b. Written-relationship

between the map and earth distances in words*example: 1 inch equals 1 mile

1st number represents map’s distance

2nd number represents earth’s distance

C. Graphic-consists of a bar line marked to

show distance on the earth’s surfaceexample:

*what scale you use depends on what information you are

portraying!*

Projection

-the scientific method of transferring locations on the earth’s surface to a flat map

-earth’s surface is curved and not a perfect sphere. It is impossible to represent on a flat plane without distortion

-Four problems:1. the shape of an area can be distorted2. the distance between two points may increase or decrease3. the relative size of different areas may be altered so that one area may appear larger4. the direction from one place to another can be distorted.

talking map

the Solution?????

Different types of projections!

-Equidistant Projections

-can represent distance accurately in only one direction (usually north-south)

-usually provide accurate scale in perpendicular direction( equator)

-most aesthetically pleasing

Types of Projections:

Mercator: preserves direction but distorts area (higher latitudes distorted - Greenland appears huge). Also known as Conformal

Fuller: maintains accurate size and shape; completely rearranges direction

Robinson: distorts all 4 but minimizes errors in each (most balanced)

Azimuthal: puts N or S pole at center of map…view of looking up or down at earth

Mercator Projection

Fuller Projection

Robinson Projection

Azimuthal

Projections Equal-Area or

Equivalent projections (Gall-Peters Projection) Portray areas on

Earth’s surface in their true proportions

Examples: Eckert IV Bartholomew’s Nordic Mollweide

Used for thematic maps showing economic, demographic, and cultural data

Aesthetic maps More important than

conformality, equivilance, or equidistance

Examples: Times Projection

Used in many world atlases

Robinson Projection Used in National

Geographic publications

Robinson Projection: -shows uninterrupted

projections -useful for displaying the oceans

Projections

Peters Deliberate attempt

to give prominence to underdeveloped countries of equatorial regions and the Southern Hemisphere Adopted by United

Nations Shape gives “shock

value”

Cartogram Usually small-scale

thematic maps Space is transformed

according to statistical factors Largest mapping units

represent greatest statistical values