US HISTORY - Ch 2: Geographic concepts

Geography

The study of Earth's surface, its climate, and how human activity affects it.

Grid

A pattern of crossing lines that create squares or rectangles to help people locate exact places on a map.

Impede

To slow down, block, or make an action or progress much more difficult.

Map

A flat, 2-dimensional visual representation of the Earth, or a specific area of land or sea.

Legend (Also called a Map Key)

A visual guide or explanatory box that shows what the symbols and colors on a map actually mean.

Map Scale

The specific mathematical ratio that shows the relationship between a distance on a map and the actual distance on the ground.

Map Symbol

A tiny picture, shape, line, or color used to represent a real-world geographic feature on a map.

Map Title

The label on a map that provides the content info—telling you exactly what area and what specific theme the map is showing.

Orientation

The indicator that shows which direction the map faces, helping you align it correctly with the real world.