Types of Tools
This geographic tool is a flat image that shows areas of the Earth and is great for showing detailed information like streets or landmarks.
What is a map?
This term defines how high land is measured above the surface of the ocean.
What is elevation?
This map tool displays cardinal directions (North, South, East, West) to help identify location directions.
What is a compass rose?
These imaginary lines run horizontally and measure distance north or south.
What is latitude?
Based on a map scale where 1 inch = 50 miles, if the measured distance between City A and City B is 3 inches on the map, what is the actual distance in miles between these two cities?
What is 150 miles?
This geographic tool is a round, 3D model of the Earth that provides a more accurate view of the overall geography.
What is a globe?
This type of map uses lines to show political boundaries between counties, states, or countries, and often includes city names.
What is a political map?
This element at the top of a map tells the reader what specific area or topic the map is about.
What is the map title?
These imaginary lines run vertically from the North Pole to the South Pole, measuring distance east or west.
What is longitude?
On a state highway map, the map scale states that 1 inch = 20 miles. If the distance between two landmarks measures 4.5 inches on the map, what is the actual distance in miles?
What is 90 miles?
These instruments and resources are used by geographers to explore, describe, and understand the Earth and its features.
What are geographic tools?
This type of map uses colors to show elevation and physical landforms such as mountains, hills, lakes, and canyons.
What is a physical map?
This component of a map helps us understand the meaning of symbols used on the map.
What is a legend (or key)?
This main line of latitude is marked at 0° and divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
What is the Equator?
Using a world map with a scale of 1 centimeter = 100 kilometers, a traveler measures a distance of 8.5 centimeters between two capital cities. What is the actual distance in kilometers?
What is 850 kilometers?
This modern technology allows geographers to interact with maps on digital devices to analyze features like plate tectonics or population.
What are online/interactive maps (or GPS)?
This type of map uses symbols, colors, or patterns to represent specific data, such as population or gender distribution.
What is a thematic map?
This feature allows map readers to measure real-world distances between places on a map.
What is a scale?
This main line of longitude divides the Earth into Eastern and Western Hemispheres.
What is the Prime Meridian?
On a map with a scale of 1 inch = 15 miles, a road trip route goes from Town A to Town B (2 inches on the map) and then from Town B to Town C (4 inches on the map). What is the total actual distance in miles for the entire trip?
What is 90 miles?
Name two key similarities shared by both maps and globes.
What is that they both show locations and include labels and symbols?
A map showing the movement of Earth's crust across North America (like California) is an example of this specific online interactive thematic map.
What is a plate tectonic map?
What are the three key components needed to successfully analyze a map?
What is a legend, scale, and compass rose?
Together, latitude and longitude form these paired values to give us an exact point on Earth rather than just a general area.
What are coordinates (or absolute location)?
On a map where 1 inch = 40 miles, Route X measures 5 inches and Route Y measures 3.5 inches. How many actual miles longer is Route X than Route Y?
What is 60 miles?