GEOG assignment

Geog 1502: Mapping Our World | 1

Activity: Scale and projections

Deliverable: One online post that answers two questions. Please start early so your fellow

classmates can more readily participate.

The following pages contain maps using different projections. Examine these maps and address

the questions below with a few short answers in Moodle.

Part 1: Examine the maps on the following pages

You have read and heard about projections. Take look at the maps on the following pages and

think about their projections.

Part 2: Work with your group to answer four questions

1. Compare and contrast the Mercator and Gall-Peters projections. Give examples of specific features in each of the maps that have been distorted.

2. The Lambert and Albers maps are both conic projections. However, they each preserve different qualities. What qualities do they preserve? Describe one specific difference you can

see between these maps.

3. The “Magnifying Glass” and Stabius-Werner projections are obviously distorted. What do you think the purpose of each map is supposed to be, and why?

4. For the following scenarios, choose a projection and explain why it would be appropriate. a. Comparing acreage used for agriculture in the United States versus Australia b. Marine and/or air navigation c. A reference map of the world

Guidelines for working as a group

 When you are doing group activities, you are automatically assigned to a group of your fellow classmates. So, in this week's activity, for example, you are automatically in your

assigned group in the forum. You don't need to do anything special or extra.

 Each group member must post answers to two questions. Copy and paste the question you are answering into the forum before answering it so that your group understands

which question you are answering.

 Try to contribute unique ideas rather than duplicating suggestions already raised by other group members.

 Your group must answer all the questions.

 You will receive 5 points for your post.

 Post to this forum between 900a on Monday and 500p on Tuesday. After that time, the forum will be closed. There are no right or wrong answers. Each individual will receive

participation points for this activity if they complete all of the requirements and

contribute to the group discussion.

Geog 1502: Mapping Our World | 2

Mercator. Cylindrical conformal (Gerardus Mercator 1569)

Gall-Peters. Cylindrical equal-area (James Gall 1855)

Geog 1502: Mapping Our World | 3

Albers Equal-Area Conic (Hans Albers 1805)

Lambert Conformal Conic (Johann Lambert 1772)

Geog 1502: Mapping Our World | 4

Interrupted Homolographic. Pseudocylindrical equal-area (National Geographic Society 1904)