Understanding Geography and Maps

Political Map

• boundaries, cities, countries

• topography, rivers, mountains

• climate zones, vegetation, wildlife

• historical events, timelines, figures

Topographic Map

• uses contour lines to show elevation

• is a type of political map

• displays only water bodies

• is used for weather forecasting

Compass Rose

• A symbol showing directions (N, S, E, W)

• A type of flower found in gardens

• A navigational tool for measuring distance

• A decorative element in architecture

Equator

• 0° latitude, divides north and south hemispheres

• 23.5° latitude, marks the Tropic of Cancer

• 45° latitude, the midpoint between the poles

• 90° latitude, the North Pole

Grid Coordinates

• numbers or letters used to pinpoint a location on a map

• a type of map that shows elevation

• a system for measuring time zones

• a method for calculating distances between cities

Map Grid

• system of intersecting lines to locate places

• a type of map that shows only roads

• a collection of geographical features

• a method for measuring distances on a map

Prime Meridian

• 0° longitude, divides east and west hemispheres

• 90° longitude, divides north and south hemispheres

• 45° latitude, divides eastern and western hemispheres

• 180° longitude, marks the International Date Line

Hemisphere

• half of the Earth, divided by the Equator or Prime Meridian

• a type of climate zone

• a geographical region defined by its culture

• a political division of a country

Latitude

• lines running north-south, measure east-west

• lines running east-west, measure north-south

• lines running diagonally, measure altitude

• lines running vertically, measure distance

Legend (Map Key)

• A guide to the symbols and colors on a map that provide information.

• A decorative border around the map.

• A scale that indicates distances on the map.

• A title that describes the map's content.