Name ______________________________________________________ Date __________________________ Period ______
Map Terms Vocabulary Chart
Word
Map Projection
Definition
A way of representing the spherical Earth on a flat
surface (All of the flat maps in the classroom)
Distortion
A change in the shape, size, or position of a place
when it is shown on a map
Physical Map
A map that usually shows land elevations and/or
ocean depths, and physical features
Political Map
A map that shows political units that are under one
government such as states or countries
Thematic Map
A map that shows information about a specific topic
and where a particular condition is found
Examples: climate map, population density map
Population
Density
The average number of people that live in an area
(square mile); How crowded a place is
Compass Rose
A diagram on a map that shows directions
Cardinal
Directions
North, South, East, West
Picture
Intermediate
Directions
Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, Southeast
Map Legend/Key A box or area on a map that explains the meaning of
the symbols used on the map
Map Scale
An element of a map that shows how a unit of
distance on the map relates to actual distance on the
surface of the Earth.
Ex. 1 inch = 400 miles