Geography 360 : Principles of Cartography
Five-Minute Essay Make-up – Which Will Probably Take about 30 or More Minutes
GIS Map Projections - Gaining a Sense of Distortion
Worth 10 Points and a wealth of insight for the lab assignment

This assignment will get you to consider the link between the concepts presented in lecture and the methods you are using in the lab assignment about how "map projection selection" is an important part of  "geographic representation". If you so choose, the essay you write as part of this activity can be used to help you prepare the write-up for the lab assignment.  Assignment is due the day that follows the respective in-class discussion.

1. Consider the following three issues and ask yourself if you understand what is being asked.  If not, refer to your notes or to your book.

a. Maps help externalize thoughts and promote discussion about important geographic concerns.  When does it matter what kind of map projection is used as the underlying geometric framework of a dot map depicting population by country? Consider the kinds of distortion that could appear in a map projection.

b. Relationships between/among phenomena are very important when we try to understand issues of sustainability. What can be said about locational relationships between two data sets, each depicted on a map constructed from a different projection?  How do you bring two maps into spatial registration if you want to compare the information on the basis of location?

c. Sustainability is often thought of as a concern that pits population against resources or ecological quality. Discuss whether you agree or disagree, and consider how map representations can influence the nature of the argument to be made.

2. Type a 10 minute essay – about one-half page to answer each of the three questions.  Please repeat the questions at the beginning of each answer .

3. Turn in your essay.  As mentioned above, this essay should help you think through and respond to the Lab Assignment.  We will hand back the essays as soon as possible after you turn them in for grading.

Find below the rubric your instructors will use to evaluate your essays (10 points).
0 : unacceptable – no show, and no medical excuse or other form of absence not approved in advance
2 : low acceptability – participate in discussion about map projections as evidenced by turning in an essay
4: low-medium acceptability – elucidate concepts underlying map projection selection
6: medium acceptability – elucidate concepts underlying  map projection selection and provide a sustainability example
8: medium-high acceptability – elucidate concepts & evidence underlying map projection selection, & provide a sustainability example
10: high acceptability – elucidate concepts, constraints and evidence about map projection selection, and provide a sustinability example