Term | Definition |
Reference Maps | a map that emphasizes the geographic location of features |
Thematic Maps | a map that displays the spatial pattern of a social or physical pattern |
GPS (Global Positioning System) | system of satellites that orbit Earth on precisely predictable paths, broadcasting highly accurate time and local information |
GIS (Geographic Information System) | organized collection of computer hardware, software, and geographic data that is designed to capture, store, update, manipulate, and displace geographically referenced infomation |
Distance Scale | the scale of a map that is a ratio of a distance on the map to the corresponding distance on the ground |
Directional Indicator (Compass Rose) | an arrow printed on a map which indicates the orientation of the map in reference to the cardinals North, East, South, West |
Inset Map | a more detailed representation of a specific area on a map usually place in an uncluttered portion of the same sheet as the smaller scale main map |
Legend (Key) | a small table accompanying the map that explains the symbols that are used on the map |
Latitude (parallels) | the angular distance north or south from the equator to a particular location |
Longitude (meridians) | the angular distance east or west from the north-south line that passes through Greenwich, England to a particular location |
Equator | an imaginary circle around the Earth, halfway between the north and south poles |
Prime Meridian | the line that passes through Greenwich,England at 0 degrees longitude |
Northern Hemisphere | the half of the Earth that is north of the equator |
Southern Hemisphere | the half of the Earth that is south of the equator |
Eastern Hemisphere | the half of the Earth that is east of the Prime Meridian |
Western Hemisphere | the half of the Earth that is west of the Prime Meridian |
Continents | land masses that have been divided on Earth |
Map Grid | a symbolized network of lines representing latitude and longitude or plane coordinates |