Geography Maps and Grids

Vocabulary flashcards covering map types, map features, and grid terminology from the Geography Guide – Visual Notes (Page 1).

Political Map

A map that shows government borders, cities, and major political features.

Physical Map

A map that shows natural landforms and terrain features.

Thematic Map

A map that focuses on a specific topic such as population or weather.

Title

The heading that tells the map’s main topic.

Scale

A bar or ratio that helps measure real-world distance on the map.

Key/Legend

A guide that explains symbols and colors used on the map.

Compass Rose

A symbol showing cardinal directions: North, East, South, West.

Latitude

Lines that run east–west and measure position north or south of the Equator.

Longitude

Lines that run north–south and measure position east or west of the Prime Meridian.

Inset Map

A map inside a larger map used to show detail for a specific area.