This document provides an overview of key concepts for understanding maps and models of the Earth, including cardinal directions, latitude and longitude, map projections, and topographic maps. It defines common geographic terms like the prime meridian, equator, and magnetic declination. It also explains how maps represent the spherical Earth on a flat surface using different projections, and how topographic maps indicate elevation, contours, relief, and index contours.

1. Chapter 2 Maps & Models of the Earth You are Here Section 1

2. Map Model or representation of the Earth’s surface

3. Cardinal Directions North, East, South & West

4. True North Geographic North Pole

5. Magnetic Declination The difference between geographic north & true north

6. Equator The circle halfway between the poles that divides the north & south

7. Latitude The distance north or south, measured in degrees, from the equator

8. Longitude Imaginary lines that pass through the poles

9. Prime Meridian Line that represents 0 degrees longitude

10. Chapter 2 Maps & Models of the Earth Mapping the Earth’s Surface Section 2

11. Flat Sphere A map is a flat representation of the Earth’s surface

12. Mercator Projection Shows the Earth’s latitude & longitude as straight parallel lines

13. Conic Projection Map projection that is made by transferring the contents of a globe onto a cone

14. Azimuthal Projection Transfer the contents of the globe onto a plane

15. Aerial Photographs Photographs from the air

16. Remote Sensing Gathering of information without being there

17. Chapter 2 Maps & Models of the Earth Topographic Maps Section 3

18. Topographic Map A map that shows surface features of the earth

19. Elevation The height of an object above sea level

20. Contour Lines Lines that connect points of equal elevation

21. Contour Interval The difference in elevation between one contour line and the next

22. Relief Difference in elevation between the highest & lowest points of an area

23. Index Contour Darker & heavier contour line, usually every 5 th line