PROJECTION NOTES Globes versus Maps What happens to

PROJECTION NOTES Globes versus Maps

What happens to the shapes of the land masses when the globe is flattened into a map? Some get stretched Some get squeezed Some get chunks taken out

Which one is the best? How is a flat map more useful than a globe? • Fits in your pocket • Easier to use How is a globe more useful than a flat map? • More accurate • Things look the way they should- better model

Mercator’s vs. Gall-Peter’s Created by Dutch cartographer Gerardus Mercator in 1569. Introduced in 1974 by Dr. Arno Peters and James Gall.

Mercator’s Strengths Straight compass lineseasy to use for travel Shapes of continents are accurate

Mercator’s Weaknesses Sizes of continents wrong Equator not in the middletoo low

Gall-Peter’s Strengths Sizes of continents are accurate Equator is in the middle

Gall-Peter’s Weaknesses Shapes of continents are wrong

Which countries/continents seem to change the most between the two projections? • Asia, Africa, South America: mostly places in the Southern part of the world Why is it so difficult to create a ‘perfect’ map of the world? • It is hard to make something 3 D into 2 D without stretching/breaking/squeezing something What are the main differences between the projections? • Size and Shape

Three Types of Map Projections • Cylindrical Projection • Conic Projection • Plane Projection

Cylindrical Projection • A cylindrical projection map is the most common type of map • Both the Mercator and the Gall – Peters Map are Cylindrical

Conic Projection • A conic projection map is created by placing a cone shaped screen on a globe.

Plane Projection • A plane projection is created by placing an imaginary screen directly above or below a globe.

Interrupted Projection • There are many different types of interrupted projection maps.

Station One • For a cylindrical projection, roll the tracing paper into a cylinder the diameter of the globe. Shine the flashlight through the globe and onto the tracing paper. Draw the lines of latitude and longitude as they are projected onto the paper.

Station Two • A conical projection is a compromise between planar and cylindrical projections. Make a cone out of the tracing paper and rest it on top of the globe. Then shine the flashlight through the globe and into the cone. Draw the lines of latitude and longitude as they are projected onto the cone.

Station Three • To represent a planar projection, place the globe on a piece of tracing paper. Hold the flashlight above the globe and shine its light down through the globe and onto the tracing paper. Draw the lines of latitude and longitude as they are projected on the paper.

Station Four • To represent an interrupted projection you will cut out the map and fold it back to a globe. • Good Luck!