Earth Science Geography Vocab Review: Key Terms & Definitions

legend (key)

explains the meaning of the symbols on the map

political map

A map that shows man-made features such as boundaries, countries, and cities.

physical map

a map that shows natural landforms and waterways on Earth's surface

geographic grid

the intersecting pattern formed by the lines of latitude and longitude

projection

The system used to transfer locations from Earth's surface to a flat map.

cardinal directions

North, South, East, West

intermediate directions

Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest

meridians (lines of longitude)

imaginary lines on Earth that run between the North and South Poles

parallels (lines of latitude)

imaginary lines on Earth that run parallel to the equator

equator

An imaginary circle around the middle of the earth, halfway between the North Pole and the South Pole; 0 degrees latitude

Prime Meridian

0 degrees longitude; an imaginary line that runs from the North Pole to the South Pole

coordinates

the latitude and longitude address of a place on a map

absolute location

Exact location of a place on the earth described by grid coordinates (latitude and longitude)

relative location

where a place is located in relation to another place

region

an area of Earth distinguished by a distinctive combination of cultural and physical features

cartographer

mapmaker

contiguous

sharing an edge or boundary; touching

compass rose

A tool on a map showing cardinal (N,E,S,W) and intermediate (NE,SE,NW,SW) directions.