Geography Unit Today’s Class: We’ll be covering key geography terms. Today’s Class: We’ll be covering key geography terms.

Latitude / These are imaginary lines that circle the earth in an east-west direction parallel to the equator. Measurement begins at the equator (0°).

Longitude / These are imaginary lines that circle the earth in a north-south direction and meet at the poles. The lines of longitude are measured from the Prime Meridian (0°)

The Equator / The equator is a horizontal line that splits the earth’s globe in half. The equator is located at 0° latitude.

Prime Meridian / Meridian refers to the lines of longitude that go north and south. / The Prime Meridian is a imaginary line that is defined as 0°. The opposite to the prime meridian is the international date line which is located at 180°.

International Date Line - / The International Date Line (180°)- is an imaginary line on the surface of the Earth opposite the Prime Meridian which offsets the date as one travels east or west

Absolute Location / Absolute Location – a place in terms of its latitude and longitude. / Ex: 60°N, 40°E / Absolute Location – a place in terms of its latitude and longitude. / Ex: 60°N, 40°E

Relative Location / Relative Location – a place in terms of its nearby landmarks. / Ex. Canada is north of United States or / Dalian is south of Harbin. / Relative Location – a place in terms of its nearby landmarks. / Ex. Canada is north of United States or / Dalian is south of Harbin.

Physical Map / Physical maps show identifiable landmarks such as mountains, rivers, lakes, oceans, and other permanent geographic features. / The purpose of a physical map isn’t to show political boundaries.

Political Maps / Political maps show the boundaries of each country, thus the most important purpose of the political map is to show territorial borders.

Maps

In groups of 2 or 3 create a list outlining how maps can be used; and what information you can gather from looking at maps.

What is a map? What information can a map tell us? What is an Atlas? A map is a representation of the partial surface of the earth. Maps usually represent information in 3 ways: Using color Using symbols Using words

What do these two maps tell us? What symbols are they using? What important things are they missing?

Why are these two maps better than the last two? What have they included?

What is a legend? A legend explains the meaning of symbols on a map. It is usually located beside the map near the bottom of the map. The legend is not located at the top of the map. Some maps call a legend a key, but for the purpose of this class we will call it a legend. What are some symbols that are used in a map?

All good maps include a: Title, legend, and a compass rose. What is a compass rose: An illustration on a map or chart that shows the different points of direction (North, South, East, West and Intermediate directions: Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, and Northwest).

Road Symbol Subway Symbol

Borders

Important Vocabulary Legend : A legend explains the meaning of symbols on a map. Compass Rose : illustration on a map or chart that shows the different points of direction Atlas : A book containing geographical maps. Cardinal Points: The four cardinal directions or cardinal points are north, south, east, and west. Legend : A legend explains the meaning of symbols on a map. Compass Rose : illustration on a map or chart that shows the different points of direction Atlas : A book containing geographical maps. Cardinal Points: The four cardinal directions or cardinal points are north, south, east, and west.