Mapping Earth's Surface

A map drawn as if you were looking down on a area from Earth's surface.

• profile view

• map view

• cross section view

• globe

A drawing showing a vertical "slice" through the ground.

• map view

• profile view

• graphic scale

• topographic map

A key that lists all the symbols used on a map.

• map view

• graphic scale

• map legend

• map scale

The relationship between a distance on the map and the actual distance on the ground.

• map legend

• map scale

• map story

• ruler

The distance in degrees east or west of the prime meridian.

• longitude

• latitude

• parallels

• International Dateline

The distance in degrees north or south of the equator.

• latitude

• longitude

• meridans

• Prime meridan

The area on the earth's surface between two meridians where people use the same time.

• countries

• time zone

• hemisphere

• pole

The line of longitude 180 degrees west or east of the prime meridian.

• Equator

• Latitude

• International Date Line

• Tropic of Capricorn

A map showing the detailed shapes of Earth's surface, along with its natural and human-made features.

• topographic map

• geologic map

• road map

• profile view

The height above sea level above any point on Earth's surface.

• latitude

• longitude

• relief

• elevation