Introduction to Landforms

The following is a list of important words and concepts used in this lab module:

Absolute location Geographic Information System (GIS)

Remote sensing

Aerial photographs Land Use/Land Cover Satellite images (Landsat)

Cartographer Larger scale map Scale

Contours, contour

lines

Latitude Slope

Contour interval (CI) Longitude Small scale map

Coordinate systems Map scale (Scale) Spatial analysis

False color composite Map types Thematic maps

Geospatial

technologies

Relative location

LAB MODULE LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After successfully completing this lab module, you should be able to:

 Use latitude and longitude to find an absolute location

 Explain the difference between large and small scale maps  Calculate map scale  Identify and describe the three types of maps

 Interpret contour maps  Identify changes in land use and land cover using remotely sensed images

2

INTRODUCTION

This lab module examines fundamental concepts and tools geographers use to

study the Earth. Topics include latitude and longitude, absolute and relative

location, geospatial technologies, map types and scale. While these topics may

seem disparate, you will learn how they are inherently related.

The modules start with four opening topics, or vignettes, found in the

accompanying Google Earth file. These vignettes introduce basic concepts related to

geospatial tools and technologies. Some of the vignettes have animations, videos,

or short articles that will provide another perspective or visual explanation for the

topic at hand. After reading each vignette and associated links, answer the

following questions. Please note that some components of this lab may take a while

to download or open, especially if you have a slow internet connection.

Expand GEOGRAPHER’S TOOLS, and then expand the INTRODUCTION folder.

Double-click Topic 1: Tools for Geography.

Read Topic 1: Tools for Geography.

Question 1: According to the article, what are three geographic technologies

geographers use to study the Earth?

A. GIS, GPS, and compasses

B. GPS, remote sensing, and GIS

C. GIS, AutoCAD, and remote sensing

D. GPS, Glovis, and GIS

Read Topic 2: Maps.

Question 2: In what state was the first topographic map (relief map using

contour lines) issued in the United States?

A. Delaware

B. Louisiana

C. Maryland

D. Mississippi

Read Topic 3: Coordinate Systems and Location.

Question 3: What continent is found at grid cell 35N?