Geography: The Study of Earth

GEOGRAPHY The study of the human and nonhuman features of Earth, our home.

Cardinal Directions Cardinal directions are North, South, East, and West. (N, S, E, W)

Intermediate directions Intermediate directions lie between the cardinal directions. (NE, SE, NW, SW)

Sphere A round-shaped body

Latitude Is the distance measured in degrees north or south of the Equator. Lines of latitude run east to west.

Degrees Are units that measure angles(º)

Latitude: 34°59′ N Longitude: 90°00′ W Minutes Smaller units of measure for measuring longitude and latitude.(΄) Coordinates for Southaven, MS Latitude: 34°59′ N Longitude: 90°00′ W

equator The imaginary line that divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemisphere. The Equator is also known as the 0º degree latitude line.

Hemisphere Each half of the Earth. Northern and Southern Hemisphere Eastern and Western Hemisphere

Prime Meridian The imaginary line that divides the Earth into the Eastern and Western Hemisphere. The Prime Meridian is known as the 0º line of longitude.

longitude Is the distance measured in degrees east or west of the Prime Meridian. Lines of longitude run North and South.

key Map key explains the symbols and shading on the map.

Locator Map The locator map shows a larger area than the main map. It shows where the area on the map is located within this larger area. Locator Map

Scale Bar A scale bar shows how much space on the map represents a given distance on the land.

A diagram of a compass showing direction. Compass Rose A diagram of a compass showing direction. Compass rose

Physical Map Physical maps show physical, or natural features.

elevation Elevation is the height above sea level.

Special purpose map Special-purpose maps show the location or distribution of human or physical features.

Political Map Political maps show political units, such as countries or states.

Distortion The loss of accuracy in the size or position of objects on a map.

Ways to map Earth on a flat surface. projections Ways to map Earth on a flat surface.

The Equal-Area Projection An equal-area map shows the correct size of landmasses. However, their shapes are distorted.

The mercator PRojection The Mercator projection shows correct shapes and directions, but not true distances or sizes. Mercator maps make areas near the poles look bigger than they are.

The Robinson projection The Robinson Projection shows nearly the correct size and shape of most land areas. Distortions are seen in areas around the edges of the map.