Abstract: A system for locating various entities on a map is provided comprising at least one map page having a map printed thereon. Each map page includes indicia representative of streets printed thereon. Further provided is a transparent sheet having a plurality of horizontal and vertical intersecting lines printed thereon for defining a matrix of boxes with a plurality of rows. Each square has a small indicia printed thereon. Next provided is at least one index page associated with each map page. The index page includes names of a plurality of streets which are depicted on the associated map page printed thereon in alphabetical order and a small printed adjacent each street. Each small indicia corresponds with that of the box of the transparent sheet that contains the associated street when the transparent sheet is situated on the corresponding map page.

Abstract: A map or globe is provided with a transparent thin covering capable of conducting electricity. The transparent thin covering envelopes the globe or overlies the map. An electrical resistance measuring means would be employed to determine a measure of electrical resistance between any two points on the map or globe. The electrical resistance measuring means would include a first probe and a second probe. The first probe would be placed on a first location on the map or globe and the second probe would be placed on a second location on the map or globe. A measure of electrical resistance will be generated by the electrical resistance measuring means reflecting the resistance of the conductive thin covering between the first location and the second location. This electrical resistance is proportionally related to the distance separating the two points on the map or globe.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for a geographical trivia boardgame for learning about a state. The apparatus consists of a gameboard with a state map affixed thereon. The state map is divided into city regions. The players also are provided a score sheet and trivia cards. The players may place individual game pieces on the map after successfully locating the city name and answering a trivia question located on a trivia card. Points are also awarded and recorded on the score sheet.

Abstract: A visual teaching aid (10) that allows educators to relate similarities and differences between differing topics and between subtopics within a single topic. The visual teaching aid includes a map (14) and a plurality of labels (16). Contained on the map (14) are a plurality of geographic features (18) such as continents, countries, states, cities, islands, oceans, seas, gulfs, harbors, rivers, lakes, islands, and peninsulas. These geographic features (18) appear as those on a normal map but are preferably not related to actual geographic features (18). Each label (16) associates with a particular geographic feature (18) and also describes an educational topic or subtopic. The labels (16) are logically arranged such that similar topics and subtopics reside in closer proximity to one another than do differing topics and subtopics. Also included with the present invention is a coordinate system (82) for locating geographic features (18) on the map (14).

Abstract: A travel planner including a transparent or translucent Combined Region/Topical Map that allows the user to plan a route directly on the map. The size of the region can range from a city or a portion thereof to a country or continent. Two or more Combined Region/Topical Maps can be overlaid such that the regional information is registered, whereby the user can plan a trip as may be desired to visit more than one type of point of interest (e.g., a castle and an historic village). This travel planner easily enables the traveler to create an itinerary based on personal interests by overlaying Combined Region/Topical Maps depicting desired interest types, each Combined Region/Topical Map depicting specific sites and locations of interest. In addition to such tourist information as the location of castles, museums, or camping locations, such Combined Region/Topical Maps can include such information as the locations of hotels, car rental companies, or pavilions for major events.

Abstract: A method of forming a scale model for simulation of a seismic survey is disclosed. The model includes layers which are formed by way of stereolithography or similar methods, from a CAD data base; the precision of the formation of the layers allows for construction of the model without adhesives between all layers for structural integrity of the model, although adhesive or a wetting agent may be used, depending upon the desired simulation experiment. The model also includes molded layers which are poured, injected, or otherwise introduced in liquid form. The liquid may then be solidified, or may remain in liquid form, depending upon the survey. These molded layers may be made into the prefabricated layers where appropriate, or during the process of constructing the model. Simulation of the survey may be made by imparting acoustic energy thereinto and detecting the same.

Abstract: A portable holder for a street atlas is provided. The holder includes a hollow transparent body dimensioned to hold a street atlas and enable viewing of a page of the street atlas. A cover is pivotally coupled to the body. The cover includes a magnifying lens dimensioned to enhance viewing of an additional page of the street atlas. A retaining portion is attached to a bottom surface of the cover to retain the page. A locating mechanism for locating a specific area on the page of the street atlas is made integral with the cover and interposed between the retaining portion and the magnifying lens. The locating mechanism includes horizontal and vertical adjustment mechanisms that extend through a top surface of the cover and are disposed adjacent opposite sides of the cover. A target is coupled to the adjustment mechanisms for moving the target to a specific area on the page when the bands are adjusted horizontally and vertically.

Abstract: A geographical region is circumscribed by a rectangular parallelogram and identified by a letter or numeral prefix. The parallelogram is divided by an equal number of rows and columns into a series of smaller rectangles circumscribing a section of the geographical region and each is assigned a different whole number representing its position relative to the others. Each section is identified by the prefix and its whole number. Each smaller rectangle is divided by the same number of rows and columns into a second series of smaller rectangles circumscribing a subsection of the previous section and each is assigned a different whole number representing its relative location, and each is identified by the prefix and the whole number assigned to the previous section followed by the whole number assigned to the subsection.

Abstract: A portable water pollution model and method are disclosed that provide an improved device and method for simulating water pollution. The present invention includes a portable simulated watershed model, including a simulated body of water and a simulated water pollution source; a simulated water pollutant, placeable on selected portions of the model; a simulated best management practice for pollution minimization, placeable on selected portions of the model; and a fluid dispenser capable of simulating rain over the watershed model. The present invention further includes a method for simulating water pollution including providing a portable simulated watershed model, providing a simulated water pollutant, placing the simulated pollutant on selected portions of the model, providing a simulated best management practice, placing the simulated practice on selected portions of the model, and simulating rain over the model.

Abstract: A system for locating geographic points on maps, charts and the like uses a rectangular grid with sides tangent to the corresponding geographical extremities of the area (city, county, state, nation, etc.) represented on the chart. Two decimal scales extend from the zero ordinate of the grid, with unit ordinates at their opposite ends. Thus, a feature along either scale and therefore a line of position across the enclosed geographical area represented, may be defined by a decimal number between zero and one and the intersection of the lines of position representing a point on the represented area may be defined by a two decimal array. Tables of the decimal arrays for specific points may be provided, and the system is extendible to different maps and/or insets of dissimilar scale, so long as the decimal scales are consistently used between each map. The system may be further extended to provide point feature within three dimensional volumes by using a three decimal array.

Abstract: A modular terrain board is provided having a plurality of sections or terrain cell plugs which are held in place by a baseboard assembly having a corresponding plurality of cell receiving sections or cells formed therein. The terrain cell plugs can be easily removed to allow for quick and accurate reconfiguration of the terrain model. The terrain board has means for representing buildings, rivers, lakes, roads, and other topographical features.

Abstract: Model terrain accessories that are positioned for use on the surface of a miniature landscape are fabricated from a permanently flexible material, preferably polyvinyl chloride. These flexible accessories are realistically contoured models representing roads, streams, stream banks, earthworks, and walls, or segments thereof. These flexible accessories will conform to changes in surface elevation on any miniature landscape on which they are assembled. The flexible accessories fit together easily in an infinite variety of individual and group configurations, and can be easily removed from the landscape surface and reused when desired.

Abstract: A topographical model simulates mountains having stream beds, a river valley, a dam creating a lake therebehind, and a cultivated field. A chamber formed in the top of the mountain is charged with ice, which melts and escapes to the stream bed. A diverter selectively directs this water to the lake or to a dry side of the mountain, thus influencing water level of the lake and the river. The dam includes a simulated hydroelectric generator and a simulated irrigation system delivering water from the lake to the cultivated field. A secondary dam is provided to trap spillage from the main dam. A trench and optional surface screen protect the lake from floating or submerged debris. The model thus demonstrates that portion of a natural water cycle originating with snow melting on mountains, and exploitation of water resources to generate power and to irrigate a cultivated field.

Abstract: A system for locating geographic points on maps, charts and, the like uses a rectangular grid with sides tangent to the corresponding geographical extremities of the area (city, county, state, nation, etc.) represented on the chart. Two decimal scales extend from the zero ordinate of the grid, with unit ordinates at their opposite ends. Thus, a location along either scale and therefore a line of position across the enclosed geographical area represented, may be defined by a decimal number between zero and one and the intersection of the lines of position representing a point on the represented area may be defined by a two decimal array. Tables of the decimal arrays for specific points may be provided, and the system is extendible to different maps and/or insets of dissimilar scale, so long as the, decimal scales are consistently used between each map. The system may be further extended to provide point location within three dimensional volumes by using a three decimal array.

Abstract: A folding laminated map with an improved hinge and image retention is described. The map, or composite image, is separated into two or more discrete partial images or panels and printed on a single sheet of a suitable material. The discrete panels contain all the graphic information contained in the composite image, but the panels are spaced from adjacent panels in the composite image. The space between panels is a blank area on the printed sheet which will become the hinge. Slot-like portions are cut out of the blank area on the printed sheet in such a way as to leave connecting tabs between adjacent partial images or panels. The slots are very narrow enabling substantial juxtaposition of adjacent panels. After the slots are cut out of the hinge portion of the printed sheet, the single sheet containing the panels is passed through a laminating device with the hinge parallel to the direction of travel through the laminator.

Abstract: Silk screened United States, world, regional or individual continent, country and state maps on a looped backed material, which illustrate the outline of the states, countries, as well as the location of pertinent rivers, water bodies and major cities/capitals. The locations are not labeled on the map, but instead, location names are provided on a small tab. At least one small square of hook material attaches to the backside of the tab, and can be correctly placed on the map at predetermined points and easily removed from the map for further usage. The hooks on the tab engage into the loops of the map. Other activities can be utilized, such as numbers, spellings, or other educational activities with hooked tabs engaging onto the loop material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a map on which informative data are printed, said map being provided with folding lines and with map portions located between said folding lines. A central folding line is provided, whereby two further folding lines, extending on either side of the central folding line in the unfolded condition of the map, adjoin said central folding line in each of a plurality of spaced joining points, and whereby further folding lines, which extend from an adjoining point on the central folding line, include a 90.degree. angle with each other and similar angles with the central folding line. The map is folded alternately about the further folding lines in opposite directions, all this in such a manner that in the folded-up condition of the map all parts located between said folding lines lie one on top of the other.

Abstract: A laminated folding indicia carrier, such as a folding map, consisting of a plurality of laminated rectangular relatively stiff panels, preferably six, wherein an indicia carrier, such as a paper map, is laminated between transparent film. Selected adjacent panels are hingedly connected and pivotal through substantially 360.degree. whereby lateral panels may be selectively folded over either the front or rear face of an associated central panel, and the central panels are hingedly connected for folding over either face of the other central panel. In this manner, any of the identically dimensioned panels may be easily folded as to be visually observed while the folded configuration will be of a single panel size.

Abstract: An educational card game adapted to be played on a geographical game board bearing a continental area with countries marked and outlined therein. The outlined countries of the game board are geographically shaped and removed similar to puzzle pieces whereby each are adapted to fit with one another and to overlie the outlined country space. The game is played similar to gin rummy, whereby educational game cards with specific geographical features and information are used for the card playing aspect of the game. The players compete for desired cards, the accumulation of which entitles one player to win each round. The players, after each round is over, collect country board pieces which are added to a player's point totals. The game is completed when all of the country board pieces have been collected or a predetermined point total has been reached.

Abstract: The present invention entails a geography game kit that is designed for teaching children and others the identity and location of counties within a particular state, the county seat of respective counties, and general information and history concerning the counties and the state. In particular, the geography game kit includes a puzzle board that includes a back panel having a raised state shaped outline extending around the back panel that conforms to the shape of a particular state. There is also provided a plurality of county puzzle pieces that conform to or represent the shape of the respective counties constituting the particular state. In addition, the game kit comprises a series of question and answer cards that relate to information about the respective counties and state. Finally, the geography game kit of the present invention includes a timer and at least one die that is used to determine which player begins play.

Abstract: A game for teaching the skills of geography and history utilizing a map of the major continents of the world having indicia representing the profiles of topographical or political bounderies of countries. Playing pieces are provided for one to four players which match the topographical or political bounderies of the countries and indicia on each of the playing pieces identifies the countries. The playing pieces defining the various countries are placed in matching registry with the indicia representing the topographical or political boundaries of the countries on the map. Game markers are provided for the players and a series of blocks surround the map, indicia on the blocks comprise secondary directions for movement of the game pieces, the primary directions for movement of the game pieces being originated by a die or other chance indicator actuated progressively by the players.

Abstract: A trip planner, comprised of a base map and a plurality of transparent sheets having annotated outlines of the base map, which can be customized to an individual's travel interests and which allow a traveler to plan his trip at a glance.

Abstract: A global mapping system which organizes mapping data into a hierarchy of successive magnitudes or levels for presentation of the mapping data with variable resolution, starting from a first or highest magnitude with lowest resolution and progressing to a last or lowest magnitude with highest resolution. The idea of this hierarchical structure can be likened to a pyramid with fewer stones or "tiles" at the top, and where each successive descending horizontal level or magnitude contains four times as many "tiles" as the level or magnitude directly above it. The top or first level of the pyramid contains 4 tiles, the second levle contains 16 tiles, the third contains 64 tiles and so on, such that the base of a 16 magnitude or level pyramid would contain 4 to the 16th power or 4,294,967,296 tiles. This total includes "hyperspace" which is later clipped or ignored. Digital data corresponding to each of the separate data base tiles is stored in the database under a unique filename.

Abstract: Computer operated projectors are positioned to project onto an uneven surface or relief map prepared to reflect a remote surface. If the remote surface is geographical, the surface is at a scale in which the horizontal scale is substantially larger than the vertical scale. A sound system provides surround sound. A second substrate or movie screen and projector are positioned to provide related video images.

Abstract: An educational visual display system for teaching geography in which objects having some geographical or topographical significance, e.g., states of the Union, may be detachably affixed and arranged to demonstrate relationship between the objects. The preferred system includes (1) a primary background surface of iron velvet fabric material to which hook type fasteners may be detachably adhered, (2) a plurality of primary objects having geographical significance and comprising a soft foam core with a layer of iron velvet fabric on one side and a plurality of hook type fasteners on the other side, the primary objects being arrangeable to represent in combination a larger geographical unit, and (3) a plurality of secondary objects each having geographical or topographical significance and having hook type fasteners on one side thereof for being detachably affixable to the layer of iron velvet fabric of the primary objects.

Abstract: Instructional devices include information, such as a map, instructions, or any other visually discernable type of information is formed on one surface and is physically and spatially related to information on a second surface, and in one embodiment, the first surface is a map of the world and a second surface is an antipodal map of the world reversed by 180.degree.. By making a mark on the first surface, a Mark-Thru is produced at the corresponding point on the second surface. This concept is shown as applied to anaglyphs on which the information is projected on surfaces and on examinations or tests in which examination questions of multiple-choice type are formed on a first surface and the Mark-Thru indicates the correctness of answer on the second surface.

Abstract: This invention is a nautical chart intended primarily for small craft navigation. The nautical chart includes a representation of a shoreline on at least one side of a single sheet of flexible material. The representation of the shoreline includes at least one small scale chart and a plurality of large scale charts. Both large scale and small scale charts are suitable for piloting. A substantially continuous shoreline is represented by a combination of the plurality of large scale charts. The large scale charts can be an extension of the shoreline of the small scale chart, overlap the shoreline of the small scale charts, or both.

Abstract: This invention is a nautical chart intended primarily for small craft navigation. The nautical chart includes a representation of a shoreline on at least one side of a single sheet of flexible material. The representation of the shoreline includes at least one small scale chart and a plurality of large scale charts. Both large scale and small scale charts are suitable for piloting. A substantially continuous shoreline is represented by a combination of the plurality of large scale charts. The large scale charts can be an extension of the shoreline of the small scale chart, overlap the shoreline of the small scale charts, or both.

Abstract: Map display apparatus for travelers and drivers presenting geographical regions (the world, continents, countries, states, cities, etc.) as a combination of sequential zones illustrated on pocket size cards with each zone repeated four times for North, East, West, and South (N E W S) orientation. It is supplemented by a set of accessories for tracing directions in an erasable or washable form with a provision for card's multiple usage and a portable holder for their storage.

Abstract: A puzzle comprising a planar map projection is formed from a conformal projection of the earth's surface onto an equilateral tetrahedron whose apices are located at preselected significant points on the surface, for example, major airports, major seaports, etc. The planar map puzzle is tesselated (that is, space filling) and periodic (repeating itself with, at most, changes of orientation). A plurality of frames are provided to accommodate different predefined configurations of the puzzle pieces to thereby illustrate differing features of the respective configurations.

Abstract: Jackstraws bearing various geographic and sports indicia thereon are employed in conjunction with a game board having a map illustrated on a playing surface. Jackstraw receptacles in the playing surface are positioned about the map in the vicinity of cities having major sports teams. The game board itself is comprised of a hinged box; the top and bottom of the box form the playing surface when the box is open and the box halves laid flat. A chamber is formed between the box top and bottom when the box is closed. The jackstraws can be stored in the chamber when not in use.

Abstract: An equal-area homolinear composite world map having parallels of latitude parallel to the equator. The map combines an equatorial map section and polar map sections. The equatorial map section is the equatorial portion of a fusiform equal-area world map and the polar sections are the polar portions of a flat-polar equal-area world map. The fusiform and flat-polar maps are prepared according to mapping equations which are the same except that the latter are adjusted to provide flat poles.

Abstract: The map of this invention is permanently folded and attached to the cover which is folded along a front hinge and a rear hinge. A cover flap is attached to the rear hinge. The map is folded laterally so that it comprises a bottom strip and a lateral strip which are attached to the cover, a lateral pleat therebetween which can be flipped upwardly or downwardly, and a top lateral flap which can be flipped downwardly upon the lateral pleat or upwardly.The map is further folded longitudinally and alternately along seven longitudinal fold lines to provide three longitudinal leaves between the outer sections which are attached to the cover. The central leaf is adhesively secured together along the bottom strip and the lateral strip. The three leaves are slit along their outwardly folded fold lines, except along the bottom strip and the lateral strip thereof. The central leaf can be pulled outwardly to create a centerfold that is pivotable to the right or to the left.

Abstract: A planning aid is produced by the use of a transparent foil which is adhesive on one side, thus providing a surface for the adhesion thereto of planning elements and/or symbols having smooth surfaces, the foil being applied to a sheet containing a pictorial representation. The planning elements and/or symbols may themselves be of foil structure or of plastic-coated cardboard or the like. For the purpose of providing a permanent record of the juxtaposition of the planning elements and/or symbols to the pictorial representation, the surface with said elements and/or symbols adhering thereto may be photocopied.