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Map Skills Vocab.
Term | Definition |
---|---|
hemisphere | half of a globe. |
equator | imaginary line that circles the middle of the earth; makes Northern and Southern hemispheres |
prime meridian | imaginary line that runs North to South; makes Eastern and Western hemispheres |
absolute location | exact position of a place on the earth's surface; measured in latitude and longitude |
latitude | imaginary parallel lines that circle the earth; run east to west; measure distance north or south of the equator |
longitude | imaginary lines, or meridians; run north to south; measure distance east or west of the prime meridian |
map key | explains colors and symbols used on a map |
scale bar | shows distance on a map |
compass rose | shows direction on a map |
cardinal directions | north, south, east, west |
intermediate directions | northwest, southwest, northeast, southeast |
physical map | map that shows landforms and water features |
political map | map that shows human-made features (boundaries, cities, etc.) |
thematic map | map that shows specific topics in detail |
axis | horizontal or vertical line on a graph that tells what is being measured and units of measurement being used |
x-axis | horizontal axis |
y-axis | vertical axis |
GPS | device that receives signals from satellites to tell exact locations on the earth |
GIS | computer software that helps geographers gather and use information about a place |