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"geography wilsonm2
world geography vocabulary words Chapter 1
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Geography | is the study of the distribution and interaction of physical and human features of the earth. |
Absolute location | the exact place on earth where a geographic features is found |
Equator | the imaginary line that encircles the globe, dividing the earth into northern and southern halves |
Hemisphere | each half of the globe |
Relative location | describes a place in relation to other place around it |
Prime meridian | the imaginary line at zero meridian used to measure longitude east to west, and dividing the earth’s east and west halves; also called the Greenwich Meridian because it passes through Greenwich, England |
Latitude (lines) | a set of imaginary lines that run parallel to the equator, and that are used in locating places north or south of the equator is labeled the zero-degree line for latitude |
Longitude (lines) | a set of imaginary lines that go around the earth over the poles, dividing it east and west. The prime meridian is labeled the zero-degree line for longitude |
Globe | a three-dimensional representation of the earth |
Map | a two-dimensional graphic representation of selected pars of the earth’s surface |
Cartographer | a mapmaker |
Map projection | a way of mapping the earth’s surface that reduces distortion caused by converting three dimensions into two dimensions |
Topographic map | a general reference map; a representation of natural and man-made feature on the earth |
Landsat | a series of satellites that orbit more than 100 miles above the earth Each satellite picks up data in an area 115 miles wide |
Geographic Information System (GIS) | technology that uses digital map information to create a databank; different “data layers” can be combined to produce specialized maps. GIS allows geographers to analyze different aspects of a specific place to solve problems. |