Earth Science

Absolute direction

A fixed direction based on a coordinate system, such as north, south, east, or west.

Relative direction

A direction based on a person's perception of where things are in relation to one another, such as left or right, up or down.

Absolute location

The exact position of a place on the Earth's surface, usually expressed in coordinates of latitude and longitude.

Relative location

The position of a place in relation to other locations, often described using landmarks or distance.

Absolute distance

The exact measurement of the space between two points, usually measured in miles or kilometers.

Relative distance

A measure of distance that considers the time or cost to travel between locations, rather than the actual physical distance.

Cultural landscape

A geographic area that has been shaped by human activity, including buildings, roads, and agricultural fields.

Physical landscape

The natural environment of an area, including landforms, climate, vegetation, and ecosystems.

Formal region

An area defined by official boundaries, such as a country or state.

Functional region

A region defined by a specific function or activity, such as a metropolitan area or a school district.

Geodesy

The science of measuring and understanding the Earth's geometric shape, orientation in space, and gravity field.

Geoid

The shape of the Earth, considered as a smooth surface that approximates mean sea level.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

A technology that allows users to create, manage, analyze, and visualize spatial or geographic data.

Global Positioning System (GPS)

A satellite-based navigation system that provides location and time information anywhere on Earth.

Geovisualization

The visual representation of geographical data to help with understanding spatial relationships.

Great circle

The largest circle that can be drawn on a sphere, representing the shortest path between two points.

Grid System

A network of intersecting lines used to identify locations on a map using coordinates.

International Dateline

An imaginary line on the Earth's surface located at approximately 180 degrees longitude, marking the shift in one calendar day.

Large Scale Map

A map that shows a small area in greater detail, usually with a scale ratio of 1:100,000 or larger.

Latitude

The distance north or south of the equator, measured in degrees.

Longitude

The distance east or west of the prime meridian, measured in degrees.

Map Projection

A method used to represent the curved surface of the Earth on a flat map, affecting the accuracy of area and distance.

Map Scale

The ratio that compares distance on the map to actual distance on the ground.

Mental Map

An individual's internal representation of a geographic space, shaped by personal experiences.

Oblate spheroid

The shape of the Earth, which is slightly flattened at the poles and bulging at the equator.

Prime Meridian

The meridian at 0 degrees longitude, serving as the starting point for measuring longitude.

Projection

The technique used to depict the three-dimensional surface of the Earth on a two-dimensional map.

Regions

Areas defined by common characteristics, which can be physical, cultural, or functional.

Remote Sensing

The acquisition of information about the Earth's surface using satellite or aerial imagery.

Scale

The relationship between distance on a map and the actual distance it represents.

Small Scale Map

A map that shows a large area with less detail, typically with a scale ratio smaller than 1:250,000.

Spatial

Relating to or occupying space; concerned with the arrangement and organization of phenomena across the Earth's surface.

Vernacular Region

An area defined by people's perceptions and informal boundaries, often based on cultural identity.