Interpretation of Topographical Maps Vocabulary

Flashcards covering key vocabulary from a Geography lecture on interpreting topographical maps.

Globe

Three-dimensional representation of the earth indicating its shape, direction and area.

Cartography

Art and science of mapping.

Map

Representation of the earth's surface showing natural or man-made features drawn to scale on a flat surface.

Title (of a Map)

Indicates the subject of the map.

Scale (of a Map)

Denotes the relationship between map distances and actual ground distances.

Direction (on a Map)

Refers to the cardinal directions: North, South, East, and West.

Grid System (on a Map)

Network of lines that help in pinpointing the location of a place on a map.

Conventional Signs/Symbols (on a Map)

Signs or symbols used on a map to represent different objects.

Key/Legend (of a Map)

Explains the meaning of the symbols used in the map.

Topographical Maps

Maps prepared after a careful survey, showing natural and man-made features useful for planning, defence and tourism.

Cadastral Maps

Maps providing details of an area such as boundaries of properties and individual buildings, used to demarcate boundaries and register ownership.

Wall Maps

Maps meant to represent large areas showing features like railways, roads, and vegetation, used for display.

Atlas Maps

Maps drawn on a smaller scale used to represent a whole country, giving a condensed picture of different areas.

Physical Maps

Maps which provide details about the natural features of an area or country.

Political Maps

Maps portraying different countries with their states, boundaries, political units and administrative divisions.

Thematic Maps

Maps showing a particular feature or theme of an area like vegetation, climate, or population density.

Topographical/Ordnance Survey Maps

Maps that shows the surface of the earth in detail, also known as 'topo-sheet.'

Eastings

Vertical lines running from North to South in a topographical map.

Northings

Horizontal lines running from East to West in a topographical map.

Four-figure grid reference

A grid reference used to find the location within a particular square.

Six-figure grid reference

A grid reference used to pinpoint locations with greater accuracy, to the nearest 100 metres.