Maps and Communities Study Guide
The lines on a map are imaginary lines. They are placed there to help us navigate on Earth.
These lines are measured in degrees. The lines that run from north to south and divide
the world into eastern and western parts are called lines of longitude. The most important
line of longitude is the Prime Meridian which divides the world into eastern and western
hemispheres (halves).
The lines that run from east to west and divide the world into northern and southern parts
are called lines of latitude. The most important line of latitude is the Equator which
divides the world in to northern and southern hemispheres (halves).
Maps have many other parts as well. One of them allows us to measure distances on a map.
This is a map scale.
Maps also include a map key or legend to show what the symbols on a map mean.
A compass rose is used to show the directions on a map. A compass rose can show both
cardinal directions and intermediate directions.
The Continents are the 7 large land masses on Earth. They are North America, South
America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Antarctica and Australia. Oceans are the 5 large bodies of
water. They are the Arctic Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean and the
Southern Ocean.