Map Skills Vocabulary By Mrs Henson Mapping the

Map Skills Vocabulary By Mrs. Henson

Mapping the Earth

GLOBE § A scale model of the Earth.

GRID § Patterns of imaginary lines that circle the globe in east-west and north-south directions.

Latitude § The distance north or south of Earth’s equator.

Parallels § Lines of latitude

EQUATOR § Imaginary line that circles the globe halfway between the North and South Poles.

Degrees § Used to measure distance from the equator

MINUTES § Degrees can be divided further § One degree equals 60 minutes

LONGITUDE § Measures distance east and west of the prime meridian

MERIDIANS § Lines of Longitude

Prime Meridian § Imaginary line that divides the Earth into western and eastern hemispheres.

Hemispheres § Divides the earth in half

Continents § Earth’s land surface is divided into seven large landmasses.

Islands § Land completely surrounded by water.

Mapmaking § Understanding Map Projections

MAP § Flat diagram of the Earth’s surface.

Map Projections § Ways of showing the round earth on a flat surface.

Map Essentials § How to Read a Map

Title § Shows the subject of the map

Compass Rose § Used to show directions on a map

Bar Scale § Used to measure distance on a map

Scale § The scale helps you measure the distance between two places. When you know the distance you can calculate how long the trip will take.

Legend § Explains what the symbols on the map represent § Or Key

Legend § Maps often have symbols to represent such features as highways, small roads, campgrounds, and rest areas. These symbols are listed in the legend.

Locator Map § Shows where in the world the area on the map is located