In mathematics, geology, and cartography, a surface map is a 2D perspective representation of a 3-dimensional surface.[1] Surface maps usually represent real-world entities such as landforms or the surfaces of objects. They can, however, serve as an abstraction where the third, or even all of the dimensions correspond to non-spatial data. In this capacity they act more as graphs than maps.[2]
Key Features of a Surface Map
Isobars
- Lines of equal atmospheric pressure.
- Help identify high-pressure systems (anticyclones) and low-pressure systems (cyclones).
- Closely spaced isobars indicate strong winds, while widely spaced isobars signify calm conditions.
Fronts
- Boundaries between air masses of different temperatures and moisture levels.
- Include warm fronts, cold fronts, stationary fronts, and occluded fronts.
- Represented with specific symbols (e.g., triangles for cold fronts, semicircles for warm fronts).[3]
Station Models
- Small plots at various locations on the map, showing weather conditions at individual weather stations.
- Include details like:
- Temperature (in °C or °F).
- Dew point (a measure of humidity).
- Wind speed and direction (often represented by barbs).
- Atmospheric pressure (corrected to sea level).
- Cloud cover and precipitation.
- Wind Patterns:
- Indicated by arrows or wind barbs, showing the direction and relative speed of the wind.
- Useful for determining the movement of weather systems.
- Temperature Gradients:
- Often visualized with color shading or contour lines (isotherms) to represent regions of varying temperatures.
Applications
- Weather Forecasting: Surface maps help meteorologists identify and track weather systems like storms, fronts, and pressure zones.
- Aviation and Maritime Operations: Used for planning routes and ensuring safety based on weather conditions.
- Agriculture: Helps farmers prepare for upcoming weather, such as frost or precipitation.
Data Sources
Surface maps are generated using data from:
- Ground-based weather stations.
- Automated weather observation systems.[4]
- Synoptic weather reports from international meteorological organizations.
- ^ Ahrens, C. Donald; Jackson, Peter L.; Jackson, Christine E. O. (2012). Meteorology Today: An Introduction to Weather, Climate, and the Environment. Nelson Education. ISBN 978-0-17-650039-9.
- ^ Vasquez, Tim (2011). Weather Analysis and Forecasting Handbook. Weather Graphics Technologies. ISBN 978-0-9832533-0-3.
- ^ Library, United States Department of State; Boggs, Samuel Whittemore; Lewis, Dorothy Cornwell (1932). Classification and Cataloging of Maps and Atlases.
- ^ Chambre, syndicale (1997). Main Types of Geological Maps: Purpose, Use and Preparation. Editions TECHNIP. ISBN 978-2-7108-0622-6.