Map Vocabulary
Map
a flat model of all or part of Earth’s surface as seen from above
Map (plain) view
to view from above
Map Title
tells you what the map shows
Topo
greek prefix for topos meaning place
Contour lines
lines on a topographic map that connect points of equal elevation
Globe
a sphere that represents Earth’s entire surface
Side (profile) view
to view from the side
Map Legend
a key that lists all the symbols used on the map
graphy
field of study related to writing something
Index Contour
contour line with a elevation label
Global Positioning System (GPS)
a system that determines the precise location of something on earth by receiving data from satellites
Cross section view
the view showing the interior of something
Map Scale
the relationship between a distance on the map and the actual distance on the ground
Topography
field of study that focuses on the shape of the land in a place as well as map making
Contour interval
the elevation difference between contours that are next to each other
Global Information System (GIS)
computerized
information systems
used to store and
analyze map data
Political Map
shows boundaries of political regions
Compass
Shows direction by showing magnetic north
Topographic (contour) Map
map showing the surface features of an area using lines to portray the land as if you were looking from above
Steep Slope
represented by lines that are close together
Time zone
the area on Earth’s surface between 2 meridians where people use the same time (24 total- 15° longitude each)
Physical (topographic) map
shows the physical features of the earth
Gridlines
imaginary lines that create coordinates to help find location on earth
Elevation
the height above sea level of any point on earth’s surface
Gentle slope
represented by lines that are far apart