Archaeological Mapping and Coordinate Systems Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the basics of map coordinates, longitude and latitude divisions, and specific mapping systems mentioned in the lecture.

X Y coordinate

The specific reading of a location on land measured by fusing both vertical (longitude) and horizontal (latitude) components.

Longitude

Vertical coordinates also called meridians, which consist of $360$ degrees around the earth.

Latitude

Horizontal coordinates also called parallels, which consist of $180$ degrees.

Meridians

Another term for longitudes.

Parallels

Another term for latitudes.

Degree

A unit of measurement for coordinates that is broken up into $60$ minutes.

Minute

A unit of measurement for coordinates where $60$ minutes equal one degree, and each minute contains $60$ seconds.

Second

A unit of measurement for coordinates representing a specific division of a minute ($60$ seconds per minute).

7.5 minute map

A map where eight units fit into one degree; it takes $2,880$ of these maps to go around the circumference of The United States.

UTM

Standing for Universal Transverse Marcator, this system uses a sequence of numbers to provide designations for location rather than degrees, minutes, and seconds.

Two and a half minute intervals

Markers on a map (such as moving from $37'30''$ to $40'$) that provide measurement guides to calculate more accurate x y coordinates.

Triangulate

The process of using a ruler or tool and specific longitudinal and latitudinal markers to determine a precise location on a map.