Maps  A map is a model or representation of the Earth’s surface.  The map contains latitude and longitude.  The United States is always North of the equator and West of the Prime Meridian.

Latitude  Latitude is the distance north or south measured in degrees.  The lines of latitude are parallel to the equator.

Longitude LLongitude is the distance east and west measured in degrees. TThe International Date Line is 180 degrees of longitude.

Topographic Maps  A Topographic map is a map that shows surface features such as rivers, lakes, and mountains.  Elevation is the height of an object above sea level.

Contour lines and Contour interval  The lines that connect points of elevation is contour lines.  If the contour lines are close together, the hill is steep.  The difference in elevation between one contour line and the next is called contour interval.

Cardinal Directions  North, South, East, and West are called cardinal directions.  The cardinal directions are located on a compass.

Map Projections  A Mercator projection is a map projection that results when the contents of the globe are transferred.  Another one is a conic projection that is made by transferring the contents onto a cone.

Mapmaking OOne way to make a map is using remote sensing that is gathering information about something without actually being there. TThis is how people make a modern map. VVisible light can detect only a smell part of the sun’s energy.