Term | Definition |
Reference Map | A general map that displays lots of different information, and does not have one single theme. They emphasize geographic locations of features. |
Thematic Map | A map that has a specific theme, or displays a certain type of information over an area. |
GPS | Global Positioning System. A system that uses signals bounced off of satellites to determine someone's or something's position in the world. |
GIS | Geographic Information System. Any system that captures, stores, or displays any type of geographical data. |
Distance Scale | A ratio that provides the ratio of distance on a map to actual distance. |
Directional Indicator | Something on a map, such as a compass rose, which gives the viewer a sense of direction. |
Inset Map | A map within a map, usually used to provide a closer perspective on a specific area of a larger map, or a wider perspective used to give a sense of location for a map with a close perspective. |
Legend | A reference on a map which describes or identifies components on said map. Usually done graphically. |
Latitude (parallels) | The measure of angular distance north or south of the Equator on the Earth. Usually measured in degrees, minutes, and seconds. |
Longitude (meridians) | The measure of angular distance east or west of a pre-determined, arbitrary meridian, usually the Greenwich prime meridian. Usually measured in degrees, minutes, and seconds. |
Equator | The reference latitude of the Earth, which is equal distances from both poles. |
Prime Meridian | The meridian on a map that is used as a reference, as in marked zero degrees east or west. This is usually internationally recognized as the Greenwich Meridian. |
Northern Hemisphere | The region of Earth located north of the Equator. |
Southern Hemisphere | The region of Earth located south of the Equator. |
Eastern Hemisphere | The region of Earth located east of the Prime Meridian. |
Western Hemisphere | The region of Earth located west of the Prime Meridian. |
Continents | Any large continuous tract of land on the Earth. There are seven. |
Map Grid | The grid created by intercepting parallels and meridians on a map. |