Map Skills Unit 1 Vocab

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

• relative location

• map scale

• cardinal directions

• inset map

The directions located between the main directions on a map or globe; northeast, southeast, northwest, southwest.

• region

• absolute location

• road map

• intermediate directions

Symbols or colors on a map that represent things. This explains what the symbols or colors mean.

• map key or legend

• cardinal directions

• physical map

• map scale

This type of map shows the state and national boundaries. It also shows the location of cities.

• inset map

• road map

• political map

• region

An agreed upon boundary line separating 2 or more areas of land.

• border

• compass rose

• map scale

• absolute location

The description of a place in relation to another point or place. (The normal way we explain directions to someone.)

• absolute location

• compass rose

• region

• relative location

A smaller map on the same page as the main map. It focuses on a specific area of the bigger map.

• physical map

• compass rose

• inset map

• map grid

A map that shows different roads, highways, or railways present in the area.

• road map

• region

• physical map

• political map

A small graphic on a map showing intermediate and cardinal directions.

• region

• map scale

• border

• compass rose

A fixed position that ever changes. (Example: latitude and longitude, or an address.)

• intermediate directions

• absolute location

• compass rose

• relative location