Mapping Flashcards
Define Latitude
Lines of latitude are horizontal concentric circles. There are 180 in total which are each measured as a degree. They begin at the equator, which is 0 degrees, and run north and south of it, diminishing in size until they reach the north and south poles, which are 90 degrees N and 90 degrees S respectively. Lines below the equator are in the southern hemisphere and lines above are in the southern hemisphere. They intersect lines of longitude at 90 degree angles.
Define Longitude
Lines of longitude vertical lines that run from pole to pole. There are 180 of these lines which are measured in degrees. They begin at the Prime Meridian, 0 degrees and run east and west and meet at the International Date Line, 180 degrees. They intersect lines of latitude at 90 degree angles.
Define the equator
The equator is a line of latitude at 0 degrees that divides the earth equally into two halves. Anything above the equator is in the northern hemisphere and anything below it is in the southern hemisphere. 2 times a year the equator experiences an equinox where the sun is directly above the equator.
Define the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn
The Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn lay at 23 degrees 26’ N and 23degrees 26’ S respectively. They represent the limits of the overhead sun. On June 21 the sun is directly above the tropic of Cancer and on December 21 the sun is directly above the tropic of Capricorn. Within these two places the climate is nice all year round.
Define the International Date Line
The international date line is a line of longitude at 180 degrees. Together with the prime meridian it splits the earth into the eastern and western hemispheres. It is directly opposite the Prime Meridian.It serves as the dividing line between calendar days. If you cross east to west you add a day. If you cross west to east you subtract a day.
What is a map?
A map is a 2D drawing that represents the earth’s surface.
List the basic features of a map.
Title, legend, scale, date of publication, direction, borders.
What are the three types of maps?
General purpose, thematic, and topographic.
What is a general purpose map?
A map that provides many types of information on one map like cities, bodies of water, roads and elevation.
