Geography Skills and Map Reading Toolkit Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering globes, coordinate systems, map projections, map components, scale, and specific map types from the Historian's Toolkit geography notes.

Globe

A model of Earth that shows the actual shape, size, and location of each landmass and body of water.

Latitude

The distance measured north or south of the Equator.

Equator

An imaginary line around the widest part of Earth that serves as the reference line for measuring latitude.

Longitude

The distance measured east or west of the Prime Meridian.

Prime Meridian

An imaginary line running from the North Pole to the South Pole that serves as the reference line for measuring longitude.

Map Projections

Methods developed by mapmakers to show the curved Earth on a flat surface, though all map projections distort Earth in some way.

Mercator Projection

A map projection named after Gerardus Mercator that accurately shows direction and the shape of landmasses, but distorts distance and size.

Robinson Projection

A map projection that shows the correct shape and size of landmasses for most parts of the world, but distorts directions and the size of the North and South Poles.

Locator Map

A small map or globe displayed alongside a main map to show where on Earth the area of the main map is located.

Map Key

Also called a legend; a section of a map that shows the meaning of the symbols and colors used on the map.

Compass Rose

A symbol on a map that shows direction by displaying the letters N, E, S, and W for north, east, south, and west.

Scale Bar

A map feature that helps measure actual distances between points, usually providing measurements in both miles and kilometers.

Political Map

A map that shows political divisions, such as borders between countries or states, as well as the location of cities.

Physical Map

A map that shows the major physical features of a region, such as seas, rivers, and mountains.

Special-Purpose Maps

Maps designed for specific functions or information, including road, weather, election, and battle maps.

Battle Map

A type of special-purpose map that uses symbols and arrows to show troop movements and combat locations.

Election Map

A special-purpose map that shows voting results for participating states, using colors to display which candidate won each state.