Geography Terms Slides
Explorer's Guide
Geography &
Key Terms
An interactive field guide to defining, mapping, and understanding our world.
Mapping the Globe Slide 1 of 7
Introduction
What is Geography?
Core Definition
"The study of places and the relationships between people and their environments."
Physical Geography
The study of natural features and processes of the Earth, including landforms, water bodies, climates, and ecosystems.
Human Geography
The study of how people interact with their environments, build communities, develop cultures, and organize societies.
Defining the Field Slide 2 of 7
Vocabulary Set 1
Core Map Essentials
1. Map Concept
A visual representation that shows the whole or a part of an area on a flat surface.
2. Atlas Resource
A book of compiled maps, charts, and geographical data.
3. Legend Map Key
A table on a map or chart that lists and explains the symbols, icons, and colors used.
4. Map Scale Measurement
A part of a map that compares distance on a map to distance in the real world.
Map Essentials Slide 3 of 7
Vocabulary Set 2
Navigating the Map
5. Compass Rose Direction
A graphic or element on a map that shows the cardinal (N, S, E, W) and intermediate directions.
6. Latitude Song Guide
The angular distance north or south from the equator. "Latitude, Latitude, Round and Round!"
7. Longitude Song Guide
The angular distance east or west from the Prime Meridian. "Longitude, Longitude, Up and Down!"
8. Mercator Projection Perspective
A map projection of the Earth projected onto a cylinder, flattening the globe but causing scale distortion at poles.
Grid Lines & Navigation Slide 4 of 7
Vocabulary Set 3
Earth's Great Divisions
9. Continent Landmass
The main, massive landmasses of the globe, usually recognized globally as seven major distinct regions.
10. Equator 0° Latitude
The primary imaginary line running horizontally around the center of the Earth at zero degrees latitude.
11. Prime Meridian 0° Longitude
The reference line of longitude located at zero degrees, passing through Greenwich, England.
12. Int'l Date Line Time Boundary
The imaginary line of navigation running north and south through the Pacific Ocean that changes calendars.
Major Anchors Slide 5 of 7
Vocabulary Set 4
The Four Hemispheres
13. Northern Hemisphere Top Half
The half of the Earth that is north of the Equator line.
14. Southern Hemisphere Bottom Half
The half of the Earth that is south of the Equator line.
15. Eastern Hemisphere East Half
The half of the Earth east of the Prime Meridian, containing Africa, Asia, Australia, and Europe.
16. Western Hemisphere West Half
The half of the Earth west of the Prime Meridian, containing North and South America.
Slicing the Globe Slide 6 of 7
Vocabulary Set 5
The Extreme Points
17. North Pole Top Pivot
The precise point on the surface of the Earth that represents the absolute northern end of the planet's axis of rotation.
18. South Pole Bottom Pivot
The precise point on the surface of the Earth that represents the absolute southern end of the planet's axis of rotation.
Thinking Like a Geographer
How do the North Pole and South Pole serve as geographical foundations for drawing every single line of latitude and longitude on a map?
Ultimate Anchors Slide 7 of 7
