Maps

Synopsis

Uses models and animations to investigate a variety of plane maps of the earth. Shows that a ‘correct’ (distance preserving) map (i.e. an isometry) would also preserve shortest paths, angles and areas. Describes the construction of three maps - gnomonic, Lambert horizontal, Mercator - each of which satisfies one of the above properties, but not the other two. Eventually it is discovered that no map can satisfy any pair of these properties, thus proving that isometry is impossible. Describes two maps (stereographic and great circle) which represent the whole globe (except for a single point) without tearing.

Series

Introduction to Pure Mathematics, Course M203

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Medium

Video; Videocassette. Standard formats. col. 25 min.

Year of production

1978

Availability

OUT OF DISTRIBUTION

Subjects

Geography; Mathematics

Keywords

maps and mapping

Credits

Producer

Jack Koumi

Cast

Colin Rourke
Peggy Duke

Production Company

Name

BBC Open University Productions

Distributor

Name

Open University Worldwide

Web

http://www.ouw.co.uk External site opens in new window

Phone

+44 (0) 1908 274066

Address

Walton Hall
Milton Keynes
MK7 6AA

Notes

NB. As of May 2016 Open University Worldwide are no longer distributing DVDs. They have posted this message on their website: ‘Unfortunately Open University Worldwide Limited has decided that product sales are no longer viable given the reduced funding to Higher Education institutions and diminishing demand for the products we have traditionally stocked. At present the Open University Students Association (OUSA) will continue to sell the "Good Study Guide", and we are in discussion with other possible distributors to continue to make The Open University’s products available for purchase. As soon as we have any information on other channels of distribution we will update this notice’. Some products are still available via second hand dealers on Amazon.co.uk