Maps and Projections Quiz

Mason is planning a trip and wants to know the main purpose of a map.

• To show where physical objects, like trees or cars, are located

• To show where places and features are located

• To change the shape of continents to match weather patterns

• To find the nearest cinema

Answer explanation

The main purpose of a map is to show where places and features are located, providing a visual representation of geographical information, unlike the other options which are either too specific or incorrect.

During a geography class, Aria asked, "What type of map shows country borders and major cities, but not rivers or mountains?"

• Political map

• Climate map

• Physical map

• Topographic map

Answer explanation

A political map shows country borders and major cities, focusing on political boundaries rather than physical features like rivers or mountains. Therefore, the correct answer is a political map.

Nora is planning a hiking trip and wants to know which map would help her see mountains and rivers.

• Climate map

• Political map

• Pirate Treasure map

• Physical map

Answer explanation

A physical map shows natural features like mountains and rivers, making it the best choice for Nora's hiking trip. Other maps, like climate or political maps, do not focus on these geographical features.

During a geography field trip, Olivia noticed that the map they were using showed changes in elevation. What does a topographic map use to represent these changes?

• Contour lines

• Temperature lines

• Dotted lines

• Selfie Sticks

Answer explanation

A topographic map uses contour lines to represent changes in elevation. These lines connect points of equal elevation, helping to visualize the terrain's shape and steepness.

Nora is studying different map projections in her geography class. Which map projection shows the Earth as if it’s been wrapped around a cylinder?

• Azimuthal projection

• Conical projection

• Cylindrical projection

• Hemisphere projection

Answer explanation

The cylindrical projection represents the Earth as if it has been wrapped around a cylinder, allowing for accurate representation of shapes and angles, especially near the equator. This makes 'Cylindrical projection' the correct choice.

Why does Greenland look larger than it actually is on a Mercator projection?

• The projection is designed for weather changes

• The projection stretches areas near the poles

• Greenland is the largest country in the world

• The map’s legend tells you that it’s a distorted map

Answer explanation

Greenland appears larger on a Mercator projection because this type of map distorts areas near the poles, making them look bigger than they are. This is why Greenland seems disproportionately large compared to its actual size.

Ethan is studying different types of maps in his geography class. He wants to know which type of map would be best for showing weather patterns, like rain or snowfall?

• Climate map

• Political map

• Minecraft map

• Topographic map

Answer explanation

A climate map is specifically designed to show weather patterns, including rainfall and snowfall, making it the best choice for Ethan's needs. Political and topographic maps serve different purposes and do not focus on weather.

Michael is studying geography and wants to understand which map projection is useful for showing only a specific part of the Earth, like the poles.

• Cylindrical projection

• Mercator projection

• Conical projection

• Azimuthal projection

Answer explanation

The azimuthal projection is ideal for showing specific areas like the poles, as it represents the Earth from a particular point, maintaining accurate distances and directions from that point.

Hannah is studying geography and wants to know: What is the Prime Meridian?

• The imaginary line that divides the Earth into eastern and western hemispheres

• The line where the Equator crosses the North Pole

• A circle that only exists on political maps

• The centre of all time zones in the world

Answer explanation

The Prime Meridian is the imaginary line that divides the Earth into eastern and western hemispheres, running from the North Pole to the South Pole. This makes the first answer choice correct.

During a geography class, Benjamin asked, "Which lines are drawn from the North Pole to the South Pole on a globe?"

• Parallels

• Latitude lines

• Meridians

• Elevation lines

Answer explanation

The lines drawn from the North Pole to the South Pole on a globe are called meridians. They represent lines of longitude, while parallels and latitude lines run horizontally. Elevation lines are not relevant in this context.