Cartography and Map Projections

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to cartography and map projections as discussed in the lecture.

Map Projection

A method of representing the curved surface of the Earth on a flat surface.

Equal Area Projection

A map projection that preserves the area such that regions are shown in their correct proportions.

Conformal Projection

A map projection that preserves angles locally, meaning the shape of small areas is preserved.

Equidistant Projection

A map projection that maintains accurate distances from a central point to any other point on the map.

Mercator Projection

A cylindrical map projection where the scale increases with latitude, causing distortion in size towards the poles.

Latitude

The geographic coordinate indicating the north-south position on Earth, expressed in degrees.

Longitude

The geographic coordinate indicating the east-west position on Earth, expressed in degrees.

Prime Meridian

The meridian (0° longitude) that is used as the starting point for measuring longitude.

International Date Line

An imaginary line that runs from the North to the South Pole, denoting the boundary between one day and the next.

Geoid

A model of Earth’s shape, taking into account its uneven surface and gravitational variations.

Equirectangular Projection

A simple map projection that distorts area and shape but preserves grid structure across the map.

Cylindrical Projection

A type of map projection where the surface of the Earth is projected onto a cylinder.

Political Cartography

The study and portrayal of political boundaries on maps, reflecting power and territorial claims.

Time Zone

A region that has adopted the same standard time, often based on longitudinal divisions.

Geometric Angles

Angles created by lines in a geometric representation, reflective of Earth's curvature in map projections.

Distortion

The alteration of the original shape or size of geographical features when transferring the spherical Earth onto a flat surface.

Loxodrome

A path on the surface of a sphere that cuts all meridians at the same angle, often used in navigation.