Mapping

Science

conic projection

a map made by projecting lines from a globe, onto a cone

conic projection Simple Definition

contour interval

the difference in elevation between two contour lines

contour interval Simple Definition

contour line

a line on a topographic map connecting points of equal elevation

contour line Simple Definition

elevation

the height of an object above sea level

elevation Simple Definition

equator

a line running east to west around the center of the Earth

equator Simple Definition

gps

a system of satellites that enable the receiver to determine their location (global positioning system)

gps Simple Definition

index contour

on a map, the heavy contour line labeled with the elevation

index contour Simple Definition

landform

a natural land feature, like valleys, hills or plains

landform Simple Definition

latitude

the distance in degrees north or south of the equator

latitude Simple Definition

longitude

the distance in degrees east or west of the prime meridian

longitude Simple Definition

map

a representation of the Earth's surface

map Simple Definition

map legend

explains the meaning of symbols used on a map

map legend Simple Definition

map scale

the relationship between distances on a map and distances on Earth's surface

map scale Simple Definition

plain

a landform of flat land with low relief

plain Simple Definition

plateau

a flat raised landform with a nearly level surface

plateau Simple Definition

prime meridian

a line running north to south around the center of the Earth

prime meridian Simple Definition

relief

difference in elevation between the high and low parts of an area

relief Simple Definition

remote sensing

gathering information from a distance

remote sensing Simple Definition

topographic map

a map showing Earth's surface features and elevations

topographic map Simple Definition

topography

the study of the shape of the land determined by elevation and landforms like mountains, rivers, and valleys

topography Simple Definition

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