Geography Assignment
Directions and
how to identify them – An illustrative Diagram
Introduction about directions
Introduction about directions
Directions in geography are essential for understanding and navigating
the Earth's surface. They provide a framework for locating and describing
places, as well as for determining the relationships between different
locations. In geography, there are two primary sets of directions: cardinal
directions and intermediate directions.
Cardinal directions are the four main points on a compass rose: north,
south, east, and west. These directions are based on the Earth's magnetic field
and provide the most fundamental orientation. North represents the direction
towards the North Pole, south points towards the South Pole, east indicates the
direction of sunrise, and west represents the direction of sunset. Cardinal
directions are often used in combination to provide more specific orientations,
such as northeast, northwest, southeast, and southwest.
Geographical North :
Geographical north, also known as true north, refers to the direction
towards the Earth's geographic North Pole. It is the northernmost point on the
Earth's surface, situated at approximately 90 degrees latitude.
Unlike magnetic north, which is determined by the Earth's magnetic
field, geographical north is a fixed reference point based on the Earth's axis
of rotation. The Earth's axis is an imaginary line that runs through the North
Pole and the South Pole, around which the Earth rotates.
Geographical north is important in cartography, astronomy, and
navigation systems that rely on global positioning. It serves as a fundamental
reference for creating maps and determining accurate coordinates. In terms of
navigation, when using tools like GPS (Global Positioning System), the
coordinates provided are typically based on geographical north.
It's worth noting that geographical north is not precisely aligned with
magnetic north due to the irregularities in the Earth's magnetic field. The
discrepancy between the two is referred to as magnetic declination, and its
value varies depending on the location on Earth's surface.
To determine geographical north, one can use instruments such as a
theodolite, a device that measures angles, or by observing the movement of
celestial bodies. The North Star, also known as Polaris, is often used as a
reference point for finding true north in the night sky since it is located
very close to the celestial north pole.
Understanding geographical north is crucial for accurate navigation,
surveying, and mapping. It provides a fixed and reliable reference for
determining directions on the Earth's surface.
People identified directions in earlier period by using Sun
1. Sunrise and
Sunset: People observed the direction of the sunrise and sunset. In the Northern
Hemisphere, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. By knowing these
reference points, individuals could determine the general east-west axis.
2. Shadow
Casting: During the day, people used the shadow cast by an object as an
indicator of direction. The length and direction of the shadow changed
throughout the day as the sun moved across the sky. In the Northern Hemisphere,
shadows were shortest at noon when the sun was at its highest point in the sky.
By observing the direction of the shadow, one could determine the approximate
north-south axis.
·
In the morning, when the sun is in the east, a person
standing with their left shoulder towards the sun would see their shadow
pointing towards the west.
·
In the afternoon, when the sun is in the west, a
person standing with their left shoulder towards the sun would see their shadow
pointing towards the east.
It's
important to note that these methods provided a general sense of direction and
were subject to some variability due to factors such as geographical location,
time of year, and weather conditions. Nonetheless, people in earlier periods
developed a keen sense of using the sun's position as a reliable tool for
navigation and orientation.
Magnetic North
1. Magnetic Compass: The primary tool
for utilizing magnetic north was the magnetic compass. A compass consists of a
magnetized needle that aligns itself with the Earth's magnetic field. The
needle typically has a red or white tip indicating the north end. By suspending
or balancing the compass, the needle aligns itself with the magnetic
north-south axis. People would hold the compass flat and level to ensure
accurate readings. Once the needle settled, they could determine the north
direction and then use the compass to find other directions, such as east,
west, and south.
2. Magnetic
Declination: People were aware that the magnetic north indicated by the compass
did not align precisely with true north, and this discrepancy was known as
magnetic declination. They would account for this variation by determining the
magnetic declination specific to their location or consulting maps and charts
that provided the declination information. By applying the appropriate
correction, they could adjust their compass readings to align with true north.
3. Landmarks and
Bearings: Once they had determined the magnetic north using a compass, people
could use it as a reference point to navigate. They would identify known
landmarks or features on a map that were aligned with a particular magnetic
bearing. For example, a mountain peak might be located in the direction of
magnetic northwest. By keeping the mountain in sight and using the compass to
maintain the correct bearing, individuals could travel in the desired
direction.
4. Dead Reckoning:
In cases where people were traveling over longer distances without prominent
landmarks, they would employ a technique known as dead reckoning. Dead
reckoning involves estimating one's current position based on a previously
known position and the direction and distance traveled since then. Magnetic
north provided the directional reference for dead reckoning, allowing
individuals to maintain a consistent heading and estimate their position
relative to their starting point.
By utilizing magnetic north as a consistent reference point, people in
earlier periods could navigate across land and sea, explore new territories,
and undertake long journeys. The magnetic compass and an understanding of
magnetic declination were instrumental in using magnetic north for orientation
and finding directions.
In geography, the concept of directions refers to the cardinal and intermediate points on the compass rose, which are used to describe the relative position and movement of objects and features on the Earth's surface. While the fundamental concept of directions remains constant, advancements in technology and changes in societal needs have influenced the way directions are understood and utilized in geography.
One important development is the widespread use of digital mapping and navigation systems. Global Positioning System (GPS) technology has revolutionized the way we navigate and find directions. GPS-enabled devices, such as smartphones and car navigation systems, provide accurate and real-time information about our location and the directions we need to follow to reach a particular destination. This has made navigation more convenient, efficient, and accessible to a wider range of people.
In conclusion, the concept of directions in geography has evolved alongside technological advancements and societal changes. The advent of digital mapping and navigation systems, the recognition of relative direction, and the emergence of virtual environments have all influenced the way we understand and utilize directions in geography. These developments have made navigation more precise, culturally sensitive, and adaptable to various contexts, enhancing our ability to explore and interact with the world around us.
It really helps me thanks a lot
ReplyDeleteThank You
ReplyDelete