map
a 2 dimensional or flat representation of Earth's surface or a portion of it
Geographic Information System
computer system that captures, stores, queries, analyzes, and displays geographic data
absolute location
Exact location of a place on the earth described by global coordinates
relative location
where a place is located in relation to another place
continent
a large landmass on Earth's surface
prime meridian
the center line
Latitude
imaginary lines that run parallel to the equator
Equator
the center line of latitude 0 degrees
Longitude
imaginary lines that run north to south
Global Positioning System (GPS)
Satellite-based system for determining the absolute location of places or geographic features.
Elevation
height above sea level
spatial thinking
thinking about the space on Earth's surface
scale
shows how much distance on Earth is shown on a map
relief
the change in elevation from one place to another
hemisphere
half of the earth
Projection
a way of showing the round Earth on a flat map
globe
a three-dimensional, or spherical, model of Earth
Cartography
a map maker
region
a group of places with common traits
terrace
a flat surface that is built into a hillside