click below
click below
Normal Size Small Size show me how
Map Skills Vocab
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Globe | A model of the Earth. |
| Hemisphere | one-half of the globe (there are four hemispheres, N/S E/W). |
| Latitude | locations N or S of the Equator measured by imaginary lines that separate the(N) and(S) hemispheres. |
| Longitude | imaginary lines that separate the(E) and(W) Hemispheres, the Prime Meridian is the divider of the two at 0 degrees longitude |
| Grid System | the pattern on a map that is created by crossing lines of latitude and longitude. |
| Absolute Location | the specific location of a place: the longitude & latitude and/or the specific address of a location |
| Relative Location | the location of a subject in relation to another point. |
| Map Key or Legend | a code that explains lines, symbols, and colors used on a map. |
| Compass Rose | a device drawn on maps to show directions. |
| Cardinal Directions | basic directions on a compass rose. ~N (north), E (east), S (south), W (west) |
| Intermediate Directions | any direction between the cardinal directions: NW, SW, NE, SE |
| Scale Bar | a measuring line on a map that helps you determine distances. |
| Scale | the ratio between a distance on a map and the actual distance. |
| Relief | changes of elevation over a given area of land |
| Elevation | the distance of an area above sea level. |
| Contour Lines | Lines that represent specific levels of elevation on a map. |
| Political Maps | show the names and boundaries of countries and often identify major physical features |
| Physical Maps | identify landforms and water features |
| Projection | how mapmakers draw the round earth on a flat piece of paper. |