Absolute location
The precise point where a place is located on Earth.
Compass Rose
A diagram on a map that shows directions such as north, south, east, and west.
Global Grid
The system of imaginary lines (called parallels of latitude and meridians of longitude) used to divide the surface of Earth on maps and globes.
Map Key
Another name for map legend.
Parallels Of Latitude
An imaginary line around Earth that runs parallel to the equator.
Antarctic Circle
The line of latitude at 66°33’S that marks the boundary of the southern polar zone.
Continent
The seven largest areas of land on Earth.
Hemisphere
One half of a sphere. Earth can be divided into eastern and western hemispheres or into northern and southern hemispheres.
Map Legend
A box or other display on a map that explains the meaning of the symbols used on the map.
Polar Zone
The area between the Arctic Circle and the North Pole or between the Antarctic Circle and the South Pole, where the climate is generally cold.
Arctic Circle
The line of latitude at 66°33’N that marks the boundary of the northern polar zone.
Coordinates
A set of numbers that together describe the exact location of something, such as a place on a map.
International Date Line
The meridian of longitude located at 180º. By international agreement, the date is one day earlier to the east of this line.
Map projection
A way of representing the spherical Earth on a flat surface.
Prime Meridian
The meridian of longitude labeled 0 degrees, from which all other degrees of longitude are measured. The prime meridian passes through Greenwich, England.
Axis
An imaginary line that runs from the North Pole to the South Pole through the center of Earth.
Distortion
A change in the shape, size, or position of a place when it is shown on a map.
Landmass
A very large, unbroken area of land.
Map Scale
An element of a map that shows how a unit of distance on the map (such as an inch) relates to actual distance on the surface of Earth.
Relative Location
Where a place is located in relation to another place.
Cardinal Directions
The four main directions on a compass rose: north, south, east, and west.
Equater
The line of latitude that circles Earth exactly midway between the North and South poles.
Map Grid
A system of imaginary lines that divides up the space on a map.
Meridians Of Longitude
An imaginary line between the North and South poles that crosses the equator at right angles.
Revaloution
One complete trip by Earth around the sun.