Map Skills Vocabulary
About this set
Created by:
MrsHuffer Plus on August 9, 2011
Subjects:
Description:
Major vocabulary terms you need to know about maps.
Log in to favorite or report as inappropriate.
Order by
27 terms
Terms | Definitions |
|---|---|
 title | indicates the subject of the map and the information it contains |
| compass rose | shows you north (N), south (S), east (E), and west (W). Sometimes it will only show you north. |
| scale | compares a unit of length on the map and a unit of distance on Earth |
| labels | words or phrases that name features on the map |
| legend or key | lists and explains the symbols and colors used on the map |
| colors | show a variety of information on the map- the legend tells you what the colors mean |
| latitude lines | imaginary lines that show distances north or south of the equator |
| parallels | also called lines of latitude are imaginary lines that show distances north or south of the equator |
| equator | a latitude line that circles Earth half way between the north pole and the south pole |
| Prime Meridian | a longitude line that runs from the north pole to the south pole through Greenwich, England. It marks 0 degrees longitude |
| political map | shows features that humans have created on Earth's surface(cities, states, provinces, territories, and countries) |
| physical map | helps you see the landforms and bodies of water in specific areas |
| thematic map | focuses on specific ideas such as climate, types of vegetation, natural resources, population densities and economic activities |
| Arctic Circle | latitude line at about 66 degrees N |
| Tropic of Cancer | latitude line at about 23 degrees N |
| Tropic of Capricorn | latitude line at about 23 degrees S |
| symbols | may stand for capital cities, economic activities, or natural resources |
| Antarctic Circle | latitude line at about 66 degrees S |
| meridians | another name for longitude lines |
| parallels | another name for latitude lines |
| International Date Line | a longitude line at 180degrees, where the date changes when you cross it |
| degrees | unit of measurement on a map |
| northern hemisphere | half the Earth north of the Equator |
| southern hemisphere | half the Earth south of the Equator |
| western hemisphere | half the Earth west of the Prime Meridian |
| eastern hemisphere | half the Earth east of the Prime Meridian. |
| lines of longitude | imaginary lines that show distances east or west of the Prime Meridian |
First Time Here?
Welcome to Quizlet, a fun, free place to study. Try these flashcards, find others to study, or make your own.