mapping

Question 1

list three types of maps and describe the distortion on the map

Answer 1

1. Mercator projection: used for navigation; distorts the size of landmass near poles; lat/long lines are parallel making diff. sized rectangles; Greenland appears much larger than other countries
2. Equal-Area projection: correctly shows the relative size of landmasses; shapes near edges appear stretched
3. Conic projection: lat lines appear straight; long lines appear curved; little distortion in center; great distortion at edges; great for small areas; good for landmass near the poles

Question 2

describe the four rules for reading a topographic map

Answer 2

1. a contour line of one elevation never crosses a contour line of another elevation
2. close contour lines represent a steep slope; lines that are far apart = gentle slope
3. contour lines which cross a valley are V shaped (V points upstream)
4. contour lines form closed loops around hilltops and depressions