Map Skills Vocabulary

Front

Map Scale

Back

The relationship between the distance on a map and the real distance on Earth

Front

Compass Rose

Back

A small graphic on a map showing intermediate and cardinal directions

Front

Cardinal Directions

Back

The four main directions on a map or globe (N, S, E, W)

Front

Intermediate Directions

Back

The directions located between the main directions on a map or globe (NW, SW, NE, SE)

Front

Relative Location

Back

Tells us the location of a place using other surrounding places, or by using cardinal directions

Front

Absolute Location

Back

Tells us exactly where something is located using an address or specific coordinates

Front

Map Key/ Legend

Back

A table on a map that lists and explains the symbols used

Front

Equator

Back

An imaginary line that divides the Earth into hemispheres

Front

Globe

Back

A model of the earth.