Module 5 - Geographic Framework

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Describe what the geographic framework involves
2. Describe the Tissot indicatirix
3. Characterize major map projection by spatial property preserved
4. Contrast large and small scale maps
5. Describe latitude and longitude
6. Describe the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinate system
7. Describe State Plane Coordiantes
8. Import contours from CAD data into Google SketchUp
9. Place 3D models on terrain in SketchUp

TERMS TO KNOW

• Geographic Framework
• Map Projection
• Map Scale
• Map Coordinates
• Tissot indicatrix
• latitude and longitude
• universal transverse mercator
• mercator
• state plane coordinates

READING ASSIGNMENT

• Chapter 5 in the text. MakingMaps: A Visual Guide to Map Design for GIS
• Map Projection Overview - Peter H. Dana - The Geogapher's Craft project

ACTIVE LEARNING EXERCISE

We will be importing contour lines to create our own surface or terrain and placing our 3D model on the terrain.

In Google SketchUp, you can create surface models (terrains) using existing digital elevation data in many formats. In this exercise, we will utilize a set of vector contours in .dwg (AutoCAD) format to create a surface.

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. Describe what is involved with the geographic framework.
2. How does Tissot's indicatrix help to evaluate map projection distortion?
3. Give 2 examples of how data distorted through map projections can incorrectly distort perception about the information being mapped.
4. When overlaying multiple layers, why is it always important to know the projections of your different data sources?
5. Describe one projection in each of the following categories - 1) area preserving 2) shape preserving 3) distance / direction preserving 4) compromise. Make sure to describe what the map projection does well and does poorly.
6. Define map scale
7. How does map scale affect the data on the map?
8. Compare and contrast large and small scale maps.
9. When is latitude and longitude an appropriate coordinate system to use?
10. When is UTM an appropriate coordinate system to use?
11. When is State Plane an appropriate coordinate system to use?

SUPPLEMENTAL

• Java Maps web application showing Tissot's indicatrix