Geography: Map Vocabulary
|
Map |
A drawing of the earth shown on a flat surface |
|
Political map |
A map that shows the names and boundaries of countries, and sometimes states and cities |
|
Physical map |
A map that shows natural features such as landforms and bodies of water |
|
Thematic map |
A map that represents specific information, such as climate, natural resources, or population density |
|
Elevation |
The height of land above sea level |
|
Projection |
A way of representing the earth on a flat piece of paper |
|
Meridian |
One of many imaginary lines on the global grid running from the North Pole to the South Pole; used to measure degree of longitude |
|
Prime Meridian |
The line of the global grid running through Greenwich, England; starting point for measuring degrees of east and west longitude |
|
Longitude |
Distance east or west of the Prime Meridian, measured in degrees |
|
Parallel |
One of many imaginary lines on the global grid that circles the earth north or south of the Equator; used to measure degrees of latitude |
|
Equator |
The imaginary line that runs around the earth halfway between the North and South poles; used as a starting point to measure degrees of north and south latitude |
|
Latitude |
Distance north or south of the Equator measure in degrees |
|
Continent |
One of the seven large land masses on the earth |
|
Nation |
A community of people who live in a defined territory and are organized under a single government |
|
Country |
Land or territory that is politically independent and distinct from all other areas |
|
Climate |
The usual predictable pattern of weather in an area over a long period of time |
