FlashKeepers

Geography · K-12

Map Reading and Cartography Terms

Map projections, scale, legends, and other cartography vocabulary for reading and interpreting maps.

35 cards · basic cards · AI-written, checked twice. Edit anything.

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What is cartography?
The science and art of making and using maps.
What is a map projection?
A method of representing Earth's curved surface on a flat map.
What does map scale show?
The relationship between distances on a map and actual distances on Earth.
What is a legend on a map?
A box that explains the symbols, colors, and patterns used on a map.
What is a compass rose?
A symbol showing cardinal directions (North, South, East, West).
Define latitude.
Imaginary lines running east-west, measuring distance north or south of the equator.
Define longitude.
Imaginary lines running north-south, measuring distance east or west of the prime meridian.
What is the equator?
The line of latitude at 0 degrees dividing Earth into Northern and Southern hemispheres.
What is the prime meridian?
The line of longitude at 0 degrees passing through Greenwich, England.
What is a map grid?
A pattern of horizontal and vertical lines used to locate places on a map.
What are contour lines?
Lines on a map connecting points of equal elevation.
What is a topographic map?
A map showing elevation and the shape of landforms using contour lines.
What is a political map?
A map showing boundaries of countries, states, provinces, or other political divisions.
What is a physical map?
A map showing natural features like mountains, valleys, rivers, and lakes.
What is a thematic map?
A map focused on showing the distribution of a specific topic, such as climate or population.

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