1. Physical Setting
Mapping Terms Part 2

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

3. 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

4. Prime Meridian

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

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

7. 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)

8. Map Scale

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

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

11. 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

12. Contour Lines