Notes

dependent variable the variable which is observed as a result of changing the independent variable
independent variable the variable which is changed or manipulated during an experiment
civilization a highly developed society
culture all of the knowledge and values shared by a society
narrative something that is written or told, as in a story
pattern observable tendencies of a person or group
society a group of people with common practices, activities, and interests
anthropology the study of human beings
archaeology the study of the lives of early human communities through the examination of their physical remains
artifacts objects made by humans and unearthed by archaeologists
chronological order an arrangement of events in the order in which the events took place
contemporary concerning the present time
geology the study of the earth, especially its rock formations
scientific method the processes and procedures by which we acquire information
bias personal judgment based on unfounded evidence or belief
fact a truth, something that is proven to be true
primary source an original source of information created at the time an event occurred
secondary source an authoritative source of information that interprets and/or analyzes a primary source
source a person or thing from which evidence or data can be gathered
theory a plausible explanation
human systems processes initiated by people that shape earth's surface and interact with plant and animal life to create, sustain, and modify ecosystems
physical processes activities occurring in nature that shape the earth's surface
physical systems processes occurring in nature that shape the earth's surface and interact with plant and animal life to create, sustain, and modify ecosystems
systems physical and human processes that shape the earth's surface and interact with plant and animal life to create, sustain, and modify ecosystems
axis an imaginary line that the earth rotates around
cartographer person who creates maps
projection the representation of a three-dimensional object such as the earth onto a two-dimensional plane or map

Robinson. This elliptical map displays the earth in an ellipse with a flat top and bottom. Lines of latitude are parallel to the equator, and lines of longitude are curved. In a Robinson projection, area is represented accurately, but the distances and compass directions are distorted (for example, compass lines are curved).

Winkel Tripel. Lines of latitude and longitude are both curved on this projection. The Winkel Tripel tries to minimize the distortions of distance, area, and direction. The Winkel Tripel projection gained popularity in the 1990s when it was adopted by the National Geographic Society (replacing the Robinson projection). This projection works well when mapping the entire world, but is seldom used for small areas.

Azimuthal equidistant. An important tool for calculating the distance from one point on the earth's surface to another by air is the azimuthal equidistant projection map. When the North Pole or the South Pole is placed at the center of this map, it is referred to as a polar projection. Sometimes this projection is called an "air-age map." Any point of the earth's surface can be chosen as the center of this map. Air distances are calculated by measuring the distance from the center of the map to any other point on the map. Lands close to the center of this projection are shown in true size and shape. Air routes use this type of map because routes are indicated more accurately than on other maps. As with other maps, distortion is also this map's greatest disadvantage. The size and shape of land masses becomes more distorted the farther they are located from the center of focus.

Interrupted area. Another important projection type is the interrupted-area projection. To prevent distortion of the continents, blank areas are inserted in the map. These interruptions in the map are usually made in the water surface of the earth. This type of map allows areas to be studied with little distortion. This projection is also useful for showing characteristics of regions. Such characteristics could include natural resources, population, and distributions.