Modeling Earth’s Surface
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Printed: August 26, 2014
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C HAPTER
Chapter 1. Modeling Earth’s Surface
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Modeling Earth’s Surface
Lesson 2.3: True or False
Name___________________ Class______________ Date________
Write true if the statement is true or false if the statement is false.
_____ 1. Locations on a globe are determined using rectangular coordinates.
_____ 2. A flat map is most accurate over a large area.
_____ 3. All compass directions are curved lines on a Mercator projection.
_____ 4. A conic projection best depicts the area where the cone touches the globe.
_____ 5. Gnomonic projections are often used to map the poles.
_____ 6. Mercator projections are no longer used.
_____ 7. Robinson projections are still commonly used.
_____ 8. Winkel Tripel projections are used by the National Geographic Society.
_____ 9. Locations on a map are determined using polar coordinates.
_____ 10. The oldest type of projection is a Mercator projection.
Lesson 2.3: Critical Reading
Name___________________ Class______________ Date________
Read this passage based on the text and answer the questions that follow.
Map Projections
Earth’s surface is curved, whereas maps are flat. To represent a curved surface on a flat map requires the use of some
type of projection. There are several commonly used types of projections.
The oldest type of projection is a Mercator projection. Mercator projections are still commonly used today. A
Mercator projection is made by wrapping a flat piece of paper around a globe at the equator to make a cylinder. The
paper touches the globe at the equator, but the distance between the globe and paper increases toward the poles. The
features of Earth’s surface are projected outward onto the cylinder. When the cylinder is unrolled, the result is a flat
Mercator projection. A Mercator projection is most accurate near the equator. Here, the shapes and sizes of features
are correct. However, the features get stretched out near the poles. For example, on a Mercator projection Greenland
is stretched out to look almost as big the United States.
Other types of projections include conic, gnomonic, Robinson, and Winkel Tripel projections.
• A conic projection uses a cone rather than a cylinder to project Earth’s curved surface onto a flat map. It best
depicts the area where the cone touches the globe. This area depends on the choice of the map maker.
• A gnomonic projection projects Earth surface onto a flat map from a single point. The projection is most
accurate for features near that point. The poles are often mapped this way.
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• A Robinson projection creates an elliptical rather than rectangular map. Lines of latitude are represented by
straight lines, whereas lines of longitude are represented by curved lines. This projection has less distortion
near the poles than a Mercator project.
• A Winkel Tripel projection uses mathematical formulas to create a flat map of Earth’s curved surface. This
type of projection is distorted at the edges. The National Geographic Society uses Winkel Tripel projections.
Questions
1. What are projections? Why are projections used to make maps of Earth’s surface?
2. Describe how a Mercator projection is made. What is a disadvantage of Mercator projections?
3. List and briefly describe two other types of map projections.
Lesson 2.3: Multiple Choice
Name___________________ Class______________ Date________
Circle the letter of the correct choice.
1. Using a globe to represent Earth’s surface avoids distortions of the
a.
b.
c.
d.
sizes of continents.
shapes of land masses.
distances between places.
all of the above
2. To find the shortest distance between two points on a globe, you find the length of the
a.
b.
c.
d.
arc that connects them.
meridian closest to them.
straight line between them.
none of the above
3. A radar map may be used to show
a.
b.
c.
d.
topography.
weather.
climate.
two of the above
4. A Mercator projection is most accurate at
a.
b.
c.
d.
the poles.
the equator.
45 degrees north.
45 degrees south.
5. A gnomonic projection is always centered on
a.
b.
c.
d.
the equator.
a single point.
the north pole.
the south pole.
6. Which statement about a Robinson projection is true?
a. Scales along different lines of latitude are the same.
b. Distances along each line of latitude are true to scale.
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Chapter 1. Modeling Earth’s Surface
c. Distortion is greatest within 45 degrees of the equator.
d. There is more distortion near the poles than on a Mercator projection.
7. Which statement is true about all projections?
a.
b.
c.
d.
They are the most accurate way to represent Earth’s surface.
They project Earth’s curved surface onto a cylinder or cone.
They distort sizes and shapes of features at the edges.
They are most accurate near the equator.
Lesson 2.3: Matching
Name___________________ Class______________ Date________
Match each definition with the correct term.
Definitions
_____ 1. map that uses colors to show elevations of large areas
_____ 2. map that is created by projecting Earth’s surface on a cylinder
_____ 3. map that shows terrain and vegetation
_____ 4. map that is created by projecting Earth’s surface on a cone
_____ 5. map that shows elevations using contour lines
_____ 6. map that has an elliptical shape because only latitude lines are projected while meridians are curved
_____ 7. map that is created by projecting Earth’s surface from a single point
Terms
a. Mercator projection
b. satellite-view map
c. conic projection
d. relief map
e. gnomonic projection
f. topographic map
g. Robinson projection
Lesson 2.3: Fill in the Blank
Name___________________ Class______________ Date________
Fill in the blank with the appropriate term.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
A(n) __________ is the most accurate way to represent Earth’s curved surface.
Any two-dimensional representation of Earth’s surface is a(n) __________.
Any map that projects Earth’s curved surface onto flat paper is a(n) __________.
A map that shows average temperatures and rainfall is a(n) __________ map.
A map that shows air masses, fronts, and storms is a(n) __________ map.
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6. A map that shows the types and locations of rocks in an area is a(n) __________ map.
7. A(n) __________ projection uses mathematical formulas to represent Earth’s curved surface in two dimensions.
Lesson 2.3: Critical Writing
Name___________________ Class______________ Date________
Thoroughly answer the question below. Use appropriate academic vocabulary and clear and complete sentences.
Explain the pros and cons of using a globe to represent Earth’s surface.
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