Map Reading, Directions, Latitude and Longitude

Vocabulary flashcards covering core map reading elements, cardinal directions, latitude, longitude, and geographic reference lines.

Cardinal Directions

Directions used to describe the direction of a location in relation to the other locations around it.

Latitude

The horizontal imaginary lines that tell the location north or south of the Equator.

Longitude

The vertical imaginary lines that tell the location east or west of the Prime Meridian.

Equator

The horizontal reference line from which latitude tells location north or south.

Prime Meridian

The vertical reference line from which longitude tells location east or west.

Degrees ($^{\circ}$)

The unit of measurement used for both latitude and longitude.

Map Legend

A map element that explains symbols, such as Ocean, Mountain, Lake, and Treasure.

Map Scale

A map element showing the ratio of map distance to ground distance, such as $1\,\text{mm} = 50\,\text{km}$.

Map Orientation

A map element showing directions, such as N, S, E, W, NW, NE, SW, and SE.

Map Title

A map element that gives the name of the map, such as MY TREASURE MAP.

Map Author

A map element that specifies who created the map, such as by Zoya Khan.

Map Date

A map element that states the creation date, such as 6th June 2030.

Map Source

A map element where you can document the source of the map if available.