EARTH SCIENCE (2010) - Mapping Vocabulary

contour interval

the difference in elevation between two consecutive contour lines

contour line

- narrow lines on a topographic map that indicate elevation

- the closer together the lines the steeper the elevation

- will point upstream

elevation

height above sea level

equator

imaginary line dividing Northern & Southern hemispheres

hemisphere

half a sphere or globe

index contour

thick, bold lines on a topographic map that indicate the exact elevation of that line; usually every 5th line

latitude

distance north or south of the equator

map scale

the comparison between distance units used on a map with the actual distances on Earth's surface

longitude

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

Prime Meridian

imaginary line dividing Eastern & Western hemispheres

slope

change in elevation divided by distance; how steep or gentle an incline is

topographic map

map showing the shape of the land

profile map

a drawing which outlines the surface of the land showing the height and depths of hills and valleys.

hachure marks

indicate decrease in elevation (crater, depression)