1. Chapter 1 Section 2
The Geographer’s Tools
Main Ideas
&
Place and Terms

2. Main Ideas
 Geographers use two and three-
dimensional tools to learn about
the earth.
 Geographers use computer
assisted technology to study the
use of the earth’s surface.

3.  Globe-
a three dimensional representation of the
earth.
Problem- Only one half of the world can be seen
at any time.

4.  Map-
two-dimensional graphic representations
of selected parts of the earth’s surface.
 Advantages-
Easily portable
drawn to scale
 Disadvantages-
distortion can occur

5.  Cartographer-
A person who makes maps.
 Can reduce distortion but using different
types of map projections.

6.  Map Projection-
A way of drawing the earth’s surface that
reduces distortion caused by presenting a
round earth on flat paper.

7.  Topographic Map-
a type of map that represents natural and
man-made features on the earth.
 Thematic maps emphasize specific kinds
of information, such as climate or
population density.

8.  Landsat-
A series of satellites that orbit more than
100 miles above the Earth. Each time a
satellite makes an orbit, it picks up data in
an 115 miles wide. The Landsat can scan
the entire Earth in 16 days.

9.  Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-
A digital database that has the ability to
combine information from a variety of
sources and display it in ways that allow
the user to visualize the use of space in
different ways.
 This could include maps, aerial
photographs, satellite images, or other
data.