maps

In class today, we talked about maps and began learning section 1.1.1, 1.1.2, and 1.1.3. They key issues we began talking about were:
How do geographers describe where things are?
Why is each point on Earth unique?
Why are different places similar?
Why are some human actions not sustainable?

map: a 2 dimensional or flat-scale model of Earth's surface, or portion of it
cartography: the science of map making
       
         2 purposes of maps;
         - reference tool for navgation
         - communication toll to show human activities or physical features

In early mapmaking, maps were only used as reference and navigation tools. The first world map was made by Eratosthenes (276-194 BC). Maps were revived during the age of exploration and the age of discovery. In class today we also learned that the middle of the earth was believed to be the mediterranean.