Landscape and Maps - Essay Example

due: Landscape and Maps A landscape is a drawing that displays all the visible features of an area or land. A map can be defined as a geographical representation of the earth. A map illustrates and shows its physical features which may include: roads, cities, oceans, and rivers among others (Tyner 6). The relationship between a map and a landscape is that both are a representation of a part or the whole of the earth's area on a flat surface which can vary from a sheet of paper or a board.

A landscape and map show an area of land that is represented, as it would appear when viewed directly from above. It does not display all the details of objects on the ground, it only shows and outlines of such objects. They both give information about a particular area (Meinig 33-48). A landscape and a map are similar in that they display a representation, or rather they are both presented on a piece of paper or board, they are both visual representations (Berger 7-11). They are used to summarize information for easy and quick reference.

Moreover, maps and landscapes might be used by planners to plan specific areas properly. Maps and landscapes are different in that the maps are used and made for different purposes, unlike the landscape whose purpose is to represent visible features of an area or land (Kaplan & White 69). A map generally displays only those geographies required for a specific location. Additionally, maps show much information, unlike the landscape which shows only the details of the restricted area. Travelers use maps to find their way whereas a landscape gives the travelers an overview of an area.

Maps can calculate the distance from one place to another while as landscapes only show the general view. Maps are used to locate places on the earth's surface. Maps also can be used to compare the sizes and shapes of different lands and water masses. The maps provide detailed information about an area while a landscape just hints at the background (Tyner 6). However, a landscape helps improve the aesthetic appearance of the field by planting shrubs or trees, changing the contours of the land, or adding ornamental features.

A landscape process can be defined as a process that occurs in a spatial domain (p. 69). The landscape process is primarily propagated across the land surface. It not only serves to structure but also, is influenced by the spatial structure of the ecosystems; whose impact on the spatial pattern is dependent to a degree upon the landscape structure is either greater or lesser (Kaplan & White 69). The history of the relationship between a landscape and a map is that both form core geographic core concepts.

They have been used from time immemorial. Also, they are vital in the field of geography in that they reveal spatial relations over linear relations. Moreover, they share some of the characteristics, and they can also be used together as a way to show or describe a particular area. Maps show all the features such as parks, forests, and towns among others in the company the landscape shows the clearest view of these features. Both are used to locate features such as mountains, and rivers among others while the landscapes are used to give an overview look of these features (Tyner 6).

To sum it all up, maps and landscapes act as an aid in locating the actual view features on the ground. It is important to learn and have knowledge or rather familiarize oneself with the use of maps and landscapes. Location of places or features on maps means being able to know precisely where such features or places are found on the surface of the earth.