the exact spot where something is on the earth. usually expressed in longitude and latitude
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ILLUSTRATED GEOGRAPHY DICTIONARY
Absolute Location
The exact spot where something is on the earth. Usually expressed in longitude and latitude.
Intermediate Directions
The directions between the cardinal directions. They are: Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest
Tropic of Cancer
Northern line of latitude at 23*26’ representing the farthest North where the Sun is closest to the Earth.
Tropic of Capricorn
Southern line of latitude at 23*26’ representing the farthest South where the Sun is closest to the Earth.
Latitude
Lines running east-west around the earth that measure a places distance from the equator.
Cardinal Directions
The four directions used to express where something on earth is in relation to something else. They are: North, East, South, West
Scale
The ratio of a single unit of distance on the map to the equal distance on ground.
Weathering
The decomposition of earth’s rocks, soils, and minerals through contact with other elements.
Continent
A large landmass on Earth. There are seven: Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, and Australia.
Maps
Visual representations of an area.
Map Projection
Any method of representing the surface of a 3D objection in 2D. Types include Mercator, Robinson, Conic, and Great Circle.
Relief
The differences in elevation and slope between the higher and lower parts of the land
Longitude
Lines running north-south around the earth that measure a places distance from the prime-meridian.
Hemisphere
Any half of the earth. Could be: North, South, East, or West
Relative Location
A places location on earth relative to another. For example: 5 miles past the McDonald’s.
North Pole
Northern most point on the earth’s surface. Located at 90*N. From here, any direction would be south.
South Pole
Southern most point on the earth’s surface. Located at 90*S. From here, any direction would be north.
Tectonic Plates
The dozen or so plates that make up the surface of the Earth.
Geography
The study of the earth’s surface, including climate, elevation, soil, vegetation, population, land use, and more
Continental Drift
The movement of the Earth’s continents relative to each other.
Cartographer
The study and practice of making representations of the Earth on a flat surface.
Topographic map
A type of map characterized by large-scale detailed representation of relief of the earth
Grid
Network of horizontal and perpendicular lines, uniformly spaced, for locating points on a map or chart.