Geol 11 Manual
National Institute of Geological Sciences
Laboratory in Principles of Geology
Geology 11.1 Laboratory Manual
Name: _____________________ Student #: ___________________ Section: ____________________
Copyright © 2003 National Institute of Geological Sciences. All rights reserved.
National Institute of Geological Sciences
Laboratory in Principles of Geology
Representing the Surface of the Earth
Objectives To be able to interpret the data represented on a map To be able to identify the type of map at hand and its uses
Whether you use them or not, maps have become an integral part of everyday life and the development of human civilization. Knowing the location and spatial distribution of objects or venues that need to be taken note of is important in carrying out our daily tasks. Whether on the road, in the mall, or at the local theme park, maps play an important role in giving us direction and planning activities. By definition, a map is a visual representation of an area and the spatial distribution or locations of objects within that area. A map represents a portion of the Earth’s surface and may contain any relevant data that may be of use to us; road maps for vacationers, soil maps for structural engineers, or lithologic maps for geologists. To make best use of different kinds of maps, one must know how to identify and understand the parts of a map before one can interpret the data represented in it. Types of Maps As there are numerous representations of the Earth’s surface, depending on what particular aspect you want to present, there are also numerous types of maps corresponding to the data shown on the map. Here are just some of the types of maps commonly used by people as well as earth scientists.
1. Planimetric Map – This kind of map is the simplest and most common type of map. It contains the location of important geographic and cultural features such as towns, cities, rivers, and roads. 2. Political Map – This map shows political
Laboratory in Principles of Geology
Geology 11.1 Laboratory Manual
Name: _____________________ Student #: ___________________ Section: ____________________
Copyright © 2003 National Institute of Geological Sciences. All rights reserved.
National Institute of Geological Sciences
Laboratory in Principles of Geology
Representing the Surface of the Earth
Objectives To be able to interpret the data represented on a map To be able to identify the type of map at hand and its uses
Whether you use them or not, maps have become an integral part of everyday life and the development of human civilization. Knowing the location and spatial distribution of objects or venues that need to be taken note of is important in carrying out our daily tasks. Whether on the road, in the mall, or at the local theme park, maps play an important role in giving us direction and planning activities. By definition, a map is a visual representation of an area and the spatial distribution or locations of objects within that area. A map represents a portion of the Earth’s surface and may contain any relevant data that may be of use to us; road maps for vacationers, soil maps for structural engineers, or lithologic maps for geologists. To make best use of different kinds of maps, one must know how to identify and understand the parts of a map before one can interpret the data represented in it. Types of Maps As there are numerous representations of the Earth’s surface, depending on what particular aspect you want to present, there are also numerous types of maps corresponding to the data shown on the map. Here are just some of the types of maps commonly used by people as well as earth scientists.
1. Planimetric Map – This kind of map is the simplest and most common type of map. It contains the location of important geographic and cultural features such as towns, cities, rivers, and roads. 2. Political Map – This map shows political