GS - Location (Lesson)

Location

Introduction 

  

 

A Note About Using Maps

Locating places on a map is a basic geographical skill. For each region that we study, you may use a hard copy atlas if you have one, or you may use the links in the Module Resources section for online map collections.

 

Globes vs Maps

We can learn about the location and physical landforms of a region by examining either a map or globe. A map is a drawing of the Earth's surface that is flat. A globe is a model of the Earth that is round in appearance.

Images of a Globe and Map 

 

Lattitude and Longitude

To locate various places on Earth, geographers use invisible lines of latitude and longitude. Lines of latitude run east and west and are also called parallels. Latitude lines are measured by the distance they are located north and south of the equator. In contrast, lines of longitude run north and south and are also called meridians. Lines of longitude are measured by the distance they are located east and west of the prime meridian located in Greenwich, England.

Globes divided into Longitude Latitude Globes showing the Equator and the Prime Meridian 

 

Hemispheres

We can further study a region by dividing Earth into two parts called hemispheres. Earth has two hemispheres, a northern and southern hemisphere when divided at the equator. All regions north of the equator are located in the northern hemisphere, and all regions located south of the equator are located in the southern hemisphere.

We can further divide earth into eastern and western hemispheres at the prime meridian. Every region east of the prime meridian for 180° is part of the eastern hemisphere and every region located west of the prime meridian for 180° is part of the western hemisphere.

Examples of Hemisphere Types Left image is Western and Eastern, Right image is Northern and Southern

Political and Physical Maps

There are many different maps that geographers use to study regions around the world. These maps may show topics that include information on climate and weather, population density, resources, vegetation, and expansion zones from historical conflict. The most common types of maps that we will look at to identify location are physical and political maps.

A physical map shows land features such as rivers, lakes, mountains, and plateaus. These areas may be illustrated using different colors on a map.

A political map shows the names of countries, cities, waterways, and oceans. These maps show the political borders between countries.

Examples of Physical and Political Maps 

 

Review

Review your terms for this lesson by completing the activity below.

Image of an Arrow 

 


Think About This

 

Maps and globes are an important part of global studies. It is important that people know the geography of the world and we learn about locations of countries (and towns and states) by exploring maps and globes. You will study the physical features of each society and the political boundaries of the countries as we travel to different places throughout the course.

 

 IMAGES CREATED BY GAVS