Geographic Foundations & Mapping Skills

Latitude

Imaginary lines that run horizontally (West-East) around the Earth. They measure distances north or south of the Equator.

Longitude

Imaginary lines that run vertically (North-South) around the Earth. They measure distances east or west of the Prime Meridian.

Equator

The primary horizontal line of latitude (0°) that divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

Prime Meridian

The primary vertical line of longitude (0°) that divides the Earth into the Eastern and Western Hemispheres.

Hemisphere

Half of the Earth (Northern, Southern, Eastern, or Western). Canada is entirely located in the Northern and Western hemispheres.

Cardinal Points

The four main directions on a compass rose: North (N), East (E), South (S), and West (W). Note: NW (Northwest) is an intermediate/ordinal point, not a cardinal point.

Map Essentials

Every formal map must include a Title and a Key/Legend to explain the colors and symbols used.

Eastings

The vertical lines on a map grid matrix. They increase in value as you move east.

Northings

The horizontal lines on a map grid matrix. They increase in value as you move north.

Alphanumeric Grid Map (How to read)

Locate the column letter first, followed by the row number (e.g., B3).

4-Digit Military Grid Reference (How to read)

Read the Easting (vertical line on the left of the square) first, then the Northing (horizontal line at the bottom of the square).