Key Term 1 Flashcards
Map scale
The relationship between the size of an object on a map and the size of the actual feature on Earth’s surface
Map
A two dimensional, or flat, representation of Earth’s surface or a portion of it
Projection
System used to transfer locations from Earth’s surface to a flat map
Maps as a communications tool
Maps depict the distribution of human activities or physical features, as well as for thinking about reasons underlying the distribution
Contemporary mapping
Displays geographic information and offers geographic explanation
Meridian
Arc drawn between the North and South poles
Longitude
The location of each meridian is identified on Earth’s surface according to this numbering system
Prime meridian
0 degrees longitude
Parallel
A circle drawn around the globe parallel to the equator and at right angles with the meridians
Latitude
The numbering system to indicate the location of a parallel
Greenwich mean time (GMT) or Universal Time (UT)
The time at the prime meridian and master reference time for all points on earth
International date line
Follows 180 degrees longitude
Geographic information science (GIScience)
the development and analysis of data about earth acquired through satellite and other electronic information technologies
Remote sensing
The acquisition of data about earth’s surface from a satellite orbiting the planet or from other long distance methods
Global Positioning System (GPS)
System that accurately determines the precise position of something on a Earth
