Chapter 2 – Maps & Earth Representation

What is the shape of the Earth?

An oblate spheroid flattened at the poles.

What is cartography?

The science and art of mapmaking.

What are parallels?

Lines of latitude that run east-west.

What are meridians?

Lines of longitude that run north-south.

What does latitude measure?

Distance north or south of the Equator.

What does longitude measure?

Distance east or west of the Prime Meridian.

What is a map projection?

A method of representing Earth's curved surface on a flat map.

What is a planar projection?

A flat projection commonly used for polar regions.

What is a conical projection?

A cone-shaped projection used for mid-latitude regions.

What is a cylindrical (Mercator) projection?

A projection that preserves direction but distorts size.

What is a topographic map?

A map that shows elevation and landform shape.

What do contour lines represent?

Points of equal elevation.

What is a contour interval?

The vertical distance between contour lines.

How can you tell a steep slope on a topographic map?

Contour lines are close together.

How can you tell a gentle slope on a topographic map?

Contour lines are far apart.

What is a thematic map?

A map that displays a specific type of data.

What is continuous data?

Data that changes gradually, such as temperature or elevation.

What is discrete data?

Data grouped into categories, such as land use or boundaries.

What is a large-scale map?

A map showing a small area with great detail.

What is a small-scale map?

A map showing a large area with less detail.