Geography and World Regions: Content Summary G.1: Principles of Geography

Small-scale maps can show a large area, but provide little detail; large-scale maps show a small area, but allow for significant detail. (G.1.A)

Every map should include a device (e.g., north arrow, compass rose) to orient the location shown to the cardinal directions of north, south, east, and west. (G.1.A)

Every map should include a device (e.g., north arrow, compass rose) to orient the location shown to the cardinal directions of north, south, east, and west. (G.1.A)

Grid systems may show coordinate lines defined by letters and numbers, such as those often found on highway maps, or they may use the latitude and longitude coordinate system. (G.1.A)

Grid systems may show coordinate lines defined by letters and numbers, such as those often found on highway maps, or they may use the latitude and longitude coordinate system. (G.1.A)

Lines of latitude, or parallels, circle the earth at specific distances from the Equator, while lines of longitude, or meridians, run from pole to pole and measure distances east or west of the Prime Meridian. (G.1.A)

Because maps are two-dimensional depictions of the curved surface of the earth, they present inherent challenges. (G.1.B)

Because maps are two-dimensional depictions of the curved surface of the earth, they present inherent challenges. (G.1.B)

A map projection is a method cartographers use to represent the earth’s three-dimensional surface on a two-dimensional plane. (G.1.B)

A map projection is a method cartographers use to represent the earth’s three-dimensional surface on a two-dimensional plane. (G.1.B)

Different types of map projections lead to different distortions in the shapes, relative sizes, distances, or directions of the places being represented. (G.1.B)

Much like when interpreting primary and secondary historical sources, it is important to consider the perspective or point of view of the cartographer and/or whoever commissioned the map, the purpose of the map, the intended audience, and the larger context in which the map was created. (G.1.B)

To examine human and environmental patterns across space and time, geographers synthesize empirical data from a variety of sources. (G.1.C)

To examine human and environmental patterns across space and time, geographers synthesize empirical data from a variety of sources. (G.1.C)

Primary sources and firsthand accounts can corroborate and contextualize information communicated by maps. (G.1.C)

For example, geographers might consult data tables depicting population change over time, birth rate, and life expectancy along with population pyramids and population density maps to draw conclusions about demographic change and settlement patterns within a region or around the world. (G.1.C)

For example, geographers might consult data tables depicting population change over time, birth rate, and life expectancy along with population pyramids and population density maps to draw conclusions about demographic change and settlement patterns within a region or around the world. (G.1.C)

Geographers ask questions and seek answers by marshalling evidence from a range of data sources, maps, case studies, and primary and secondary historical resources. (G.1.C)

The Global Positioning System (GPS) employs a network of satellites in predetermined orbits to measure distances and pinpoint locations. (G.1.D)

The system provides this information to a number of location-based services, such as smartphone navigation, assignment of locations to data, and the emerging field of augmented reality. (G.1.D)