Maps and Globes Vocabulary

A small description of the symbols on maps.

• map key

• cardinal directions

• intermediate directions

• latitude

Many lines on a map that cross the globe from north to south (or up and down).

• latitude

• equator

• longitude

• symbol

A picture on a map that stands for something else.

• map key

• cardinal directions

• symbol

• equator

The main line of latitude that circles the Earth at 0 degrees and goes West to East (side to side).

• Prime Meridian

• Equator

• latitutde

• longitude

Many lines on a map that cross the globe from East to West. (side to side)

• intermediate directions

• longitude

• map key

• latitude

The main four directions. (N, E, S, W)

• cardinal directions

• intermediate directions

• symbol

• map key

The directions in between the cardinal directions. (NW, SW, NE, SE)

• Equator

• Prime Meridian

• intermediate directions

• cardinal directions

The main line of longitude that goes from North to South (up and down) and circles the middle of the Earth at 0 degrees.

• Equator

• Prime Meridian

• cardinal directions

• map key