All About Maps, Essay Example

Definitions

Map Analysis: This is a process in which a map type, such as a navigation map, is thoroughly studied in relation to its physicality and usefulness.

Map Interpretation: This process involves interpreting or understanding a particular map’s meaning in relation to what it shows and how it can be used to understand the geographical nature of an area, such as with a relief map used by geologists that shows contours, elevations, and depressions.

Questions

1. The five core science systems of the United States Geological Survey includes 1), core science analytics and synthesis; 2), the National Geospatial Program; 3), the USGS Library Program; 4), the National Cooperative Geological Mapping Program; and 5), the National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program.
2. The overall objectives of the USGS Library is to allow open access to all scientific research and studies done by the US Geological Survey. Some of the areas included in this open access library program includes literature (academic), scientific data, and instructions on how to do proper research in Earth Sciences and related disciplines.
3. The three types of maps that would help someone to understand the mission of the USGS Library Program includes thematic maps or maps with a theme, reference maps or maps that show the basic geographical layout of an area like an atlas, and a persuasion map with a diagram that illustrates how to proceed with research step by step.

Five Types of Maps and Images

MENTAL MAP: source–“Mental Maps.” www.fedstats.gov. 2012. This map was drawn from memory and describes the basic layout of a suburban area and the location of a person’s home.

THEMATIC MAP: source–“Thematic Maps and Map Projection Utilities.”

www.gigawiz.com/thematic.html. 2012. The theme of this map is political and shows which US states were controlled by Republican and/or Democratic governors in 2007.

PERSUASION MAP: source–“Types of Maps.” www-personal.umich.edu/~jmargeru/conceptmap/types.htm. 1999. This map demonstrates how to guide the reader or researcher to begin with a subject, create arguments, provide proof for the arguments, and arrive at a conclusion.

NAVIGATION MAP: source–“How to Read a Map.” www.compassdude.com/map-reading.shtml. 2012. This map show how a person driving a car could follow a route around Yellowstone Lake at Yellowstone National Park.

REFERENCE MAP: source–“US Army Aberdeen Test Center.” www.ate.army.mil/visitor_access.htm. 2011. This map shows the geographical location of the Aberdeen Proving Ground and how to find it via US Interstate routes.