The Wonderful World of Maps


Awards Presented to "The Wonderful World Of Maps":



I would like to thank my peers for this honour and recognition.

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Welcome
 Why are maps important?
Elements of Cartography
Types of Maps
Dr. B.A.M. Phillips
Other Map Pages and Works Cited
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Maps are powerful spatial tools for geographers. They are a cartographic representation of specifically chosen information. The information is transmitted through images constructed from symbols. We tend to restrict the term to visual maps, but spatial information may be represented on a computer screen, and these categories of spatial representation may also be described as maps.


The "Wonderful World of Maps" is ment to be a teacher's resourse page. Most of the information found here is orientated for the intermediate/senior level. However, some material is practical for other level applications. Teachers are welcome to upload lesson plans for posting.


"Maps break down our inhibitions, stimulate our glands, stir our imagination, loosen our tongues. The map speaks across the barriers of language; it is sometimes claimed as the language of geography."

a preachment of Carl Sauer, 1956


DISCLAIMER: Most of the information found on this webpage originated from Dr. Brian Phillips of Lakehead Univesity. Other portions, such as graphics, were either generated using Zyweb tools or reproduced from professional cartographic pages. To these people I owe a debt of gratitude. Without their hard work in the field of cartography this resource page would not be possible. You are encouraged to visit my MAP LINKS AND WORKS CITED for a wide range of geographical resouces and full bibliographical information. This webpage is ment for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY!


This webpage was created by Peter Belkosky. I am a third year concurrent education/geography/history major at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario. the purpose of this page was to fulfill requirements for an educational technology course. Nevertheless, I hope you find the infomation on this page useful. This page will be kept current to the best of my ablities.

Lesson Plans


Posted By: Peter Belkosky
Posted When: 10 March, 2000
Email: pnbelkos@ice.lakeheadu.ca

Elementary Cartography
Geography-Grade 7

Learning Objectives:

1. Students will learn to develop basic cartographic skills and apply these skills in the form of a thematic map 'Global Soil Distribution". (Ministry objective p. 57-[students will] produce maps for a variety of purposes.)

2. Students will be able to produce one map using basic cartographic concepts.

Teacher Materials:
Chalkboard
Overhead Projector
Examplar (Overhead of finished map)
Blank maps of the world

Student Materials:
Pencil
Pencil crayons
Geography text (Showing global soil distribution)

Introdution: (3-5mins)

Review from previous lesson on types of maps. Discuss maps as spatial tools and ask the students why maps are important.

Key Questions:

-How can a map mislead the reader and how could this be avouided?

-Why are maps important in the understanding of the world?

-How would the construction of a global soil map be beneficial in better understanding the world?

Procedure:

1.students will be shown a finished map on the overhead projector. Attention will be given to vital components of the map, such as legend, scale, title, cardinal directions, and colour scheme. (7-10mins)

2.An explanation will be provided on the importance of a soil map in regards to other elements of geographical inquiry.

Key Questions:

-How does the global distribution of soil relate to:

a)regional vegetation
b)regional climate
c)regional agriculture

3. Students will be instructed to hand draw the global soil boundaries and apply an appropriate colour scheme to the soil region. (7-10mins)

4.Students will produce their own map using the cartographic concepts discussed. (7-10mins)

Evaluation:

The map 'Global Soil Distribution' will be evaluated with the following marking scheme;

Neatness...........5 marks
Colour Scheme......5 marks
Presentation.......10marks
Correctness........5 marks

Students will have four(4) school days to complete this assignment.

Review:

Emphasize the importance of maps in understanding the world. Reiterate the interconnection of different aspects of geographical inquiry, i.e. how soils relate to the environment. (3-5mins)

zy.com
Trivia

Did you know...
Argentina is the only country in the world to claim a large section of Antarctica as part of their national boundary. It is illegal for a map in Argentina to be produced without the Antarctic section included.
©Peter N. Belkosky 2000