Introduction to maps and spatial data Flashcards
(26 cards)
What is the significance of the French Pyrenees map?
~17,300 years old, passed to future generations, shows animal images from fossil evidence.
What does the French Pyrenees map depict?
Primitive animal images based on fossils.
When was the Hereford Map created?
1280s.
What makes the Hereford Map unique?
Largest medieval map (4.5x5.5ft calfskin), mixes real/religious info, Jerusalem-centered.
How does the Hereford Map orient directions?
East shown as North.
What type of maps emerged in the 18th century?
Statistical maps (trade winds, monsoons, eclipses, compass variations).
Who created early compass variation maps?
Edmond Halley (1700).
What was significant about Frere de Montizon’s dot map (1830)?
Early dot map: 1 dot = 10,000 people in France.
What did John Snow’s cholera map (1854) show?
Linked cholera to water sources, pioneered disease mapping.
What are key aspects of thematic cartography?
Terrain, labels, symbols, design.
What is the purpose of thematic maps?
Show theme-specific data, compare patterns, reveal distributions.
How do general reference maps differ from thematic?
Focus on locations (rivers, roads) not patterns.
What is cartographic communication?
Transmitting spatial info via design/user interpretation.
How to improve map communication?
Reduce info loss, optimize symbols, consider users.
What is a map?
Scaled graphic of spatial data related to Earth’s surface.
How do maps represent reality?
Select features, abstract invisible phenomena (boundaries, temp).
Difference between map reading and analysis?
Reading: “where/what”. Analysis: “how” patterns form.
What is map interpretation?
Explains “why” patterns exist, derives insights.
Modern map mediums?
Globes, print, digital, satellites, nav systems, 3D prints.
Why can’t maps label every feature?
Space limits → symbols/generalization.
How do maps analyze processes?
Layer overlays show relationships (migration, disease).
Key purposes of maps?
Store data, navigate, visualize, summarize stats, aid spatial thinking.
Two main spatial data models?
Vector (points/lines/polygons), Raster (grid cells).
What does vector data represent?
Features (roads, cities) via (x,y) coordinates.
