The Geographer's Tools

Matt called a cab company and asked to be picked up two blocks south of Dupont Circle in Washington, DC. Which concept best represents the type of information Matt gave to the cab company?

• line of longitude

• absolute location

• coordinates

• relative location

What would be an example of a formal region?

• the commuter bus loop in Dallas, Texas

• "back home"

• the Rust Belt in the United States

• the subway system in New York City

What is the main difference between different types of map projections?

• the area of the Earth they focus on

• the amount of physical space they take up

• the way they distort the Earth’s landmasses

• the type of information they display

Answer explanation

The main problem with maps is also directly related to their size and shape. Since maps depict a round Earth on a flat surface, they are bound to be distorted. Many different map types, or map projections, have evolved because of this. Some distort different features of the Earth more than others. In fact, a cartographer must carefully think about which type of projection to create beforehand, so that the distortions do not adversely affect the purpose of the map. 

All map projection systems use the same data and map the same Earth, but each system values one factor (area, direction, proportions) more than the others. This often has radical consequences for how a person perceives the world.

Which of the following pieces of information would likely be found on an economic activity map?

• distribution of mineral deposits

• climate zone

• land elevations

• mountain ranges

Answer explanation

Which essential element of geography focuses on common cultures?

• the world in spatial terms

• places and regions

• physical systems

• agriculture

What is a hemisphere in geography?

• A hemisphere is a division of the ocean.
• A hemisphere is half of the Earth, divided by the equator or the Prime Meridian.
• A hemisphere refers to a specific type of mountain range.
• A hemisphere is a type of climate zone.

Answer explanation

A circle drawn around Earth’s center divides it into two equal halves called hemispheres, or half spheres. Though this can be done in infinite ways. However, there are generally considered to be four hemispheres: Southern, Northern, Eastern, and Western. To get the Western and Eastern hemispheres, the intersection happens at the prime meridian. To get the Northern and Southern hemispheres, the intersection happens at the Equator.

What type of map is this?

• climate

• historical

• population density

• economic

What is always used to find a coordinate?

• latitude and the hemisphere

• longitude and latitude

• prime meridian and the hemisphere

• A ruler

Answer explanation

Oftentimes, you will notice lines that run horizontally across a map. These are called lines of latitude. You will also notice lines that run vertically on a map. These are lines of longitude. Lines of latitude and longitude are used to locate a coordinate. A coordinate can help pinpoint a specific location, also known as an absolute location, on Earth. Today many people use GPS devices to get their exact coordinates on Earth and navigate to their destination.

What does this population pyramid indicate about Denmark's recent population growth?

• Denmark's population is rapidly increasing

• The population is shrinking

• The population isunhealthy

• Denmark's recent population growth is stable

Answer explanation

A population pyramid is a type of graph that shows the percentage of people living in a country separated by age and gender. These pyramids are useful for determining how a population in a given region is changing over time. For instance, these population pyramid examples show that Zambia in the year 2007 had a much greater number of children ages 4 and under than it did adults. Germany in 2007, on the other hand, had a lesser number of children than adults. 

A country could experience population growth for a variety of reasons. For instance, there could be changes in the death rate or birthrate. When death rates fall, more people are living to older ages. When birthrates rise, it means there are more babies being born. Either of these factors can increase population growth. A population pyramid with all lines approximately the same length indicates a relatively stable population. 

What is population density? 

• Population density is the amount of resources available per person.
• Population density is the total number of animals in a habitat.
• Population density is the number of people living per unit of area.
• Population density refers to the average age of a population.