Lab 1 Assignment

Disneyland, CA

This is a map of Disneyland Resort in California. It includes detailed sketches of the attractions at the amusement park, making it appear more like a realistic drawing than a typical map. Various locations on the map are numbered, and these numbers correspond to the main attractions of the resort, as well as important locations around the resort. For example, California Adventure is identified as number 5; Downtown Disney is number 10; and LAX is number 6. A compass is provided in the bottom right corner, and even the ocean is included in the map.

I find the map interesting because it is so visually appealing. Every building and attraction is depicted in detail, and the map is essentially a miniature version of Disneyland Resort. It makes you feel like you can jump into the park.

Image source: http://images.search.yahoo.com/images/view?back=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.search.yahoo.com%2Fsearch%2Fimages%3F_adv_prop%3Dimage%26va%3Dmap%2Bof%2Bdisneyland%26fr%3Dyfp-t-701&w=3000&h=1769&imgurl=www.keystothemagic.com%2FParkMaps%2FResorts%2FDisneyland_CA_Resort_Map.jpg&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.keystothemagic.com%2FParkMaps%2FResorts%2FCADisneylandOverviewMap.html&size=492KB&name=Disneyland_CA_Re...&p=map+of+disneyland&oid=c3db2f4f7707379e8b11f1b7f1c8d47e&fr2=&no=2&tt=63300&sigr=12br1uolc&sigi=1241fiv3r&sigb=12uk1sded
Image Yahoo, 1:41PM, Sep. 28th, 2010

This is a black and white map of the human brain. It is derived from various X-rays and represents a cross section of the brain. Major subdivisions of the brain are labeled, such as the corpus callosum, hippocampus, and medula oblongata. The map includes no compass and no legends.

I find this map interesting because it is not what would typically come to mind when one thinks of the word, "map." Rather than representing landforms, freeways, and countries, it represents an essential part of the human body.

Image source: http://www.headinjury.com/!CBRAIN1.jpg
Image Yahoo, 2:00PM, Sep. 28, 2010

This is a map of the major stars and constellations visible in the Northern hemisphere. According to the legend, the dots on the map indicate the intensity of the stars, with larger dots corresponding to more intense stars. In addition, lines are drawn through the stars to designate individual constellations, and these constellations are labeled. The Milky Way is indicated on the map by tiny white dots that curve through the map.

I find this map interesting because it demonstrates that maps are not only useful in diagramming features on the surface of the earth, but they can also be important for diagramming objects millions of miles away from the earth, such as stars. In addition, this map can lead to a fun nighttime activity--stargazing in one's backyard.

Image source: http://www.starfinders.com/images/400map.jpg
Image Yahoo, 2:36PM, Sep. 28, 2010