Final answer:
Mapmakers use mathematical formulas to convert information from the earth's surface to the map surface, which involves creating a grid system using latitude and longitude. GIS software now aids this process, which applies to both terrestrial and celestial mapping for various fields including physics, where isolines represent fields.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mapmakers use mathematical formulas to transfer information from the earth's surface to the map surface. This process is a critical aspect of cartography, the science and art of mapmaking, which enables the representation of the three-dimensional world on a two-dimensional surface. Early cartographers entrusted this task primarily to paper-based topographic maps until the advent of computers and Geographic Information System (GIS) software revolutionized the field.
On Earth, latitude and longitude coordinates are used to establish a grid system for locating various features such as cities and natural landmarks. Similarly, for astronomical maps, a coordinated grid system is utilized to locate stars, galaxies, and celestial objects. These mapping systems are vital for a wide array of scientific and practical applications, from understanding the apparent motion of celestial bodies to enabling navigation and exploration.
Furthermore, in fields like physics, maps with isolines are used to represent fields by connecting points of equal value, which helps visualize varying phenomena. The correlation between science and mathematics is integral to the mapmaking process to ensure that mathematical models correctly represent the world.