from 'A new map of the world',
London, 1954.
'equal area' projection,
from 'A new map of the world',
London, 1954.
Maps and cartography are complicated, and require many words to describe all the map features, methods and skills involved in creating maps.
With our glossary, you can learn some of the words used in our 'You are Here' exhibition.
Cartographic definitions
Cartographer: A person who creates maps.
Cartography: The art and science of mapping the natural and social features of the earth, and their relationships to one another.
Cartouche: An ornamental frame on a map, usually around the title.
Contour: A line on a map that connects points of equal height.
Grid: Any network of parallel and perpendicular lines on a map and used for reference.
Latitude: The angular distance in degrees north or south from the equator.
Legend: Written explanations of the symbols, showing the range of features included on the map.
Longitude: The angular distance in degrees east or west from a defined meridian, usually the Greenwich prime meridian.
Map: A graphic representation of the spatial relationships of features and points within an area.
Meridian: A circle of the earth that passes north-south through the poles.
Plan: A map that shows an area small enough to not include the curvature of the Earth, e.g. a town plan.
Projection: A method by which the curved surface of the earth is portrayed on a flat surface using a mathematical transformation.
Relief: Elevations and depressions on the earth's surface, including the sea floor.
Scale: The relationship between a distance or area on a map and the corresponding distance or area on the ground, expressed as a ratio or fraction.
Surveying: Measuring physical or geometric characteristics of the earth.
Symbol: A graphic used to represent a geographic feature or set of features.
Topography: The study and mapping of land surfaces, including relative position and height.