Sketch maps, photographs and GIS maps
There are other types of map that provide a representation of the landscape.
Sketch maps
Sketch maps are simple drawings of the landscape. They show things that are sometimes hidden in photographs or maps, eg the impact of touristSomeone who travels for recreation or business purposes. on a landscape.
Sketch maps may be shown as a bird's-eye viewA view from above. or as a drawing of the horizon. They can be drawn whilst on fieldwork or from a photograph. It is useful to annotateTo label or add notes in detail. sketch maps or include a photograph alongside it.
Photographs
Photographs can be taken from different locations:
- Ground photographs - these can be taken during fieldwork, using a camera or mobile device. They need to be annotated to show any features.
- Aerial photographs - these are usually taken from an aeroplane. They cover a wider area than ground photographs so they are useful in showing spatialRelating to space or how things are spread out. patterns.
- Satellite images - these are high-resolutionThe fineness of detail that can be seen in an image - the higher the resolution of an image, the more detail it holds. In computing terms, resolution is measured in dots per inch (dpi). photographs taken from satelliteBody that orbits a planet. For example, the Moon is a natural satellite of the Earth but communication satellites are artificial satellites of the Earth. in space. They show a very wide area, but in less detail than close-up images.
What are GIS maps?
geographical information system (GIS) Electronic maps with layers added to display information about the area. (GIS) maps are digital maps that have layers of data added to them. GIS maps can be changed to show specific information about a place. Information layers can be shown as:
- area shading - sections of the map are shaded to show patterns
- graphs - bar charts, pie charts and proportional symbols are overlain
- photographs - photographs can be added to points on the map
- flow lines - lines to show movements between places
Annotating maps and photographs
Annotations are detailed labels with an explanation of what is shown. They are important because they allow geographers to interpret and compare maps and photographs. Annotations can focus on physical featureA natural landform. and human featureAn aspect to do with humans, eg poor sanitation. and they usually include key terms.