Atlas

High school (ages 12+)
Geography

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/atlas

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the first major atlas publication?Theatrum Orbis Terrarum by Abraham Ortelius in 1570
2. What is the key cartographic innovations?Mercator projection (1569) significantly improved navigational charts
3. How did atlases change over time?In the 16th century, atlases started to be bound together. Later, they used printing, aerial photos, and satellites to make maps more accurate. Now they can be digital and interactive.
4. Why are atlases useful for learning?Atlases show not only places but also information like mountains, rivers, borders, and even population and climate. This helps people understand how different parts of the world are connected.

Cartography: The science or practice of drawing maps, including their design and creation.
Data Visualization: The graphical representation of information and data to make complex information understandable.
Geographic Information System (GIS): A system designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present all types of geographically referenced data.