Where are We? An Internet activity about Maps Directions: Use the colored links provided to find the answers to the questions. Use the Go Menu of your browser to return to this page. Printer version

1. What do we call a person who makes maps? Hint: mapographer | mapologist | cartographer

2. Ptolemy made a map of the world in 150 AD. What is missing?

Why?

Take a moment to click on the map and enjoy its artistry. Then click the map window closed using the Close Window rectangle.

3. What are the two parts of a global address?

4. What is latitude?

You are standing at latitude 0 degrees. On what imaginary line are you located?

5. Lines on a globe that run east - west are showing ...........

Lines that run north - south are showing .............

What is the longitude and latitude of your town?

6. If your teacher gives you a little latitude, what are you getting? Use the search box to find the meanings of latitude.

7. Maps are made to scale. What is scale?

Real Life math: A map of you town is to a scale of 1: 63,360 inches. You use a ruler to measure the distance from school to your house.
You find it is 2 inches. How many miles is it to your home from school?

What does a large scale map show?

Give an example of a small scale map.

8. The web address called URL (Universal Resource Locator) of a web site can tell you where the computer is
that you are accessing to view the web site.

In what country is this web site? http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/lzone/progsgeog.shtml

In what state is this one located? http://www.state.pa.us/

9. What is the first step in making a map?

10. "With his marine clocks, John Harrison tested the waters of space and time.....
He wrested the world's whereabouts from the stars, and locked the secret in a pocket watch." ~ Dava Sobel

What did Harrison accomplish?

11. Cars and boats have GPS. Scientists use it. What does the acronym "GPS" stand for?

What do you think of this example of how a GPS chip can be used?

12. What are the 5 parts of the compass?

a.

b.

c.

d.

e.

Assume that you are currently facing north. Look west. Describe what you see.

13. Challenge: Which type of map would you use to plan a hiking trip? Why?

14. How did Dr. John Snow use a map to solve a medical problem?

15. Select a map from Historical Maps of the Americas. How could you use it to enhance a report or project?

16. Write the answer to this latitude and longitude calculation.

17. Check out the Degree Confluence Project. What is the closest degree confluence to your home?

18. Near the exit door to every classroom there should be a map. What does this map tell you?

19. Name two professions that would find a topographic map useful.

20. How can a map be an important tool in a disaster?