Physical Setting Mapping Terms Part 2

Equator The 0° line of latitude that divides the earth into Northern and Southern hemispheres.

Prime Meridian The 0° line of longitude that divides the earth into Eastern and Western hemispheres It is also called the Greenwich Meridian after the town in England through which it passes

Prime Meridian

Latitude Lines measuring between 0°-90° N/S of the equator

Longitude Lines measuring between 0°-180° E/W of the Prime Meridian

Map Scale Used to show what distances mean on a map Ex. 1 cm = 1 km (means that 1 cm on a map equals 1 km on the earths surface)

Map Scale

Direction Finder Sometimes called a compass rose, it is used on maps to indicate north and other directions Ex. N, S, E, W

Spot Heights These are shown as dots on maps with numbers beside them to show the height or elevation above sea level

Contour Lines These lines join all points of the same elevation above sea level The space between the lines is given on the map and is called the “contour interval” Usually only every 5th line is numbered with the elevation

Contour Lines