Map Skills & Globes
This map tool displays cardinal directions (North, South, East, West) and intermediate directions (NE, SE, NW, SW).
Compass Rose
The study of Earth physical features, human populations, and how people interact with their environment.
Geography
This major mountain range stretches over 3,000 miles across the western United States and western Canada.
Rocky Mountains
This city is the official national capital of Canada.
Ottawa
This core geographic theme is about the two-way relationship between people and their physical environment.
Human-Environment Interaction (HEI)
This type of map shows national boundaries, country borders, and major capital cities.
Political Map
The average weather conditions of a region measured over a long period of time (e.g., decades)
Climate
Standing at 20,321 feet in Alaska, this mountain peak is the highest point in all of North America.
Denali (Mount McKinley)
Over 80% of Canada total population lives within 100 miles of this national border due to a milder climate.
the United States border (Southern border)
When humans build dams, clear forests, construct highways, or mine resources, they are engaging in this type of HEI action.
Modifying the Environment
Prompt/Question: On a global map diagram divided by the Equator, this hemisphere lies entirely south of 0 degrees latitude.
Southern Hemisphere
An area of Earth surface defined by shared physical, cultural, or historical characteristics.
Region
This river system is the longest in North America at 2,341 miles.
Missouri River
Northern Canada is covered primarily by this extremely cold climate zone with long winters and short summers.
Subarctic (or Tundra) climate
When people wear heavy winter coats, build houses on stilts, or use air conditioning, they are engaging in this type of HEI action.
Adapting to the Environment
If you travel from Missouri to Nebraska, this is the general compass direction you are traveling.
Northwest
The spread of cultural traits, foods, beliefs, or technology from one society to another (e.g., fast food expanding globally).
Cultural Diffusion
Located on the border between the U.S. and Canada, these famous waterfalls connect Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.
Niagara Falls
Due to its colonial history with France and Great Britain, Canada recognizes these two official national languages.
English and French
This term describes how humans rely on natural resources like fresh water, fertile soil, and timber to survive.
Depending on the Environment
Unlike political maps, these maps focus on specific topics like climate zones, elevation, or population density.
Special Purpose (or Thematic) Maps
An economic system driven by free enterprise, private ownership, and choices made by buyers and sellers
Market Economy
This major ocean borders North America directly to the east.
Atlantic Ocean
This Canadian province is unique because its majority population speaks French and retains strong French cultural traditions.
Quebec
American fast-food restaurants opening in Japan or listening to K-Pop globally are examples of this process.
Cultural Diffusion