Geographical Skills: Mapping

This is a brief outline of the sequences in the development of the science of map making. It lists some of the significant developments and people involved. It is essentially a European view and it needs to be emphasised that this development was not evenly spread across the Earth. Indeed, many of the pictorial techniques which were developed very early on are still being used today.

MapMaker Interactive is a online mapping tool that allows teachers and students to explore the world using map themes, data, and tools. Our online map makes it easy for students to visually explore and interact with our interconnected social and physical Earth systems.

This presentation gives a quick explanation of what the acronym BOLTSS stands for and why it's important.

t is hard to represent our spherical world on flat piece of paper. Cartographers use something called a "projection" to morph the globe into 2D map. The most popular of these is the Mercator projection. Every map projection introduces distortion, and each has its own set of problems. One of the most common criticisms of the Mercator map is that it exaggerates the size of countries nearer the poles (US, Russia, Europe), while downplaying the size of those near the equator (the African Continent). On the Mercator projection Greenland appears to be roughly the same size as Africa. In reality, Greenland is 0.8 million sq. miles and Africa is 11.6 million sq. miles, nearly 14 and a half times larger. Use this interactive map to click and drag countries to get a better representation of how big they actually are.

Latitude is the measurement of distance north or south of the Equator. Read through this article to learn more.

Longitude is the measurement east or west of the prime meridian. Read through this article to learn more.

There are many different types of maps, which are usually classified according to what they are attempting to show. Read through this website to learn more.

In an age when mapping apps are commonplace, you may think traditional map reading an obsolete skill. But if you enjoy hiking, camping, exploring the wilderness, and other outdoor activities, a good road or topographic map can be your best friend. This guide will introduce you to the basic elements of a map.

This guide takes you step through step on how to drop the cross-section of a map.

Maps are created by cartographers to help people to navigate. Find out about basic mapping using compass points, grid references, title, key, scale and interpreting Ordnance Survey maps.

Topographic maps are one of the most common types of maps. Understand the important features and how they are used.

This Map Reading Guide is an ideal resource for a wide range of map users and is an excellent and simple introduction to topographic maps which are suitable for anyone with an interest in maps.

This website shows you how to make a topographic profile.