Geography and Mapping Study Guide

Geography and Mapping Study Guide

• Geography: The study of the Earth’s landscapes, environments, and the relationships between people and their environments.
• Legend/Key: A guide on a map that explains symbols and colors used for features such as roads, parks, and boundaries.
• Compass Rose: A figure on a map displaying the cardinal directions (North, South, East, West) and often intermediate directions (NE, NW, SE, SW).
• Equator: The imaginary line at 0° latitude that divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
• Prime Meridian: The line at 0° longitude that divides the Earth into the Eastern and Western Hemispheres.
• Physical Map: A map that uses color and relief to show natural features such as mountains, rivers, and vegetation.
• Political Map: A map that displays governmental boundaries, such as countries, states, and cities.
• Elevation Map: A map indicating the terrain and height of the land, usually represented with contour lines or color shading.
• Historical Map: A map that depicts geographical conditions at a particular time in history, often used to show change over time.
• Cardinal Directions: The four main directions: North, South, East, West.
• Intermediate Directions: Directions that fall between the cardinal points: Northeast (NE), Northwest (NW), Southeast (SE), Southwest (SW).

Memory Aids and Measurement

• Mnemonic for Cardinal Directions: "Never Eat Soggy Waffles" helps recall North, East, South, West.
• Intermediate Directions: Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest.
• Funny Name for Latitude: Often referred to as "ladder" to help remember it measures the distance north and south of the Equator.
• Labels for Latitude and Longitude: Latitude lines are labeled in degrees north or south of the Equator; longitude lines are labeled in degrees east or west of the Prime Meridian.
• Measure Order of Latitude and Longitude: Start with latitude before longitude when describing a location.

Hemispheres and Map Features

• Hemispheres: Four hemispheres exist: Northern, Southern, Eastern, Western.
• Star on a Map: Indicates the location of a city, often denoting important or capital cities.
• Scale on a Map: A tool used to measure distances; it shows the ratio between distances on the map and actual ground distances.

Prepare for your geography quiz with this comprehensive study guide focused on mapping concepts. Cover essential topics like compass rose, types of maps, and cardinal directions. You'll also learn helpful mnemonics to remember them effectively.