Map Terms

Longitude

• Imaginary lines that circle the Earth that measure the distance east or west from the prime meridian (also called meridians).

• Lines that measure the distance north or south from the equator.

• Fixed points on the Earth's surface used for navigation.

• The angle between the North Pole and the South Pole.

Latitude

• Imaginary lines that circle the Earth north or south of the equator (also called parallels).

• Imaginary lines that run from the North Pole to the South Pole.

• Lines that measure the distance east or west of the Prime Meridian.

• Fixed points on the Earth's surface used for navigation.

Scale

• This tool on a map shows you how to convert the distance on the map to the real distance, like 1" = 1 mile.

• This tool is used to measure the area of a map.

• This tool helps in identifying the symbols used on a map.

• This tool indicates the direction of north on a map.

Prime Meridian

• Imaginary line that divides the earth into eastern and western hemispheres.

• A physical line that marks the equator of the Earth.

• A line of latitude that runs parallel to the equator.

• The boundary between the Arctic and Antarctic regions.

Map title

• Tells what the map is about.

• Indicates the scale of the map.

• Shows the map's legend.

• Describes the map's orientation.

Compass rose

• A tool that shows directions on a map including cardinal (N,E,S,W) and intermediate (NE,SE,NW) directions.

• A decorative element on a map that has no functional purpose.

• A type of map that only shows geographical features without directions.

• A symbol used to indicate the scale of a map.

Equator

• An imaginary circle around the earth that divides the earth into the northern and southern hemispheres.

• A line of latitude that is 90 degrees north of the equator.

• The longest line of longitude on the earth.

• A region where the sun is directly overhead at noon throughout the year.

Physical maps

• Show the natural, physical features of land and water, like mountains, rivers, lakes.

• Display political boundaries and cities.

• Illustrate climate zones and weather patterns.

• Provide detailed information about population density.

Cardinal Directions

• North, South, East, West

• Up, Down, Left, Right

• Forward, Backward, Left, Right

• Inside, Outside, Above, Below

Political maps

• Show countries, their borders, and capital cities.

• Display physical features like mountains and rivers.

• Illustrate climate zones and weather patterns.

• Represent population density and demographics.