Maps and Directions

The questions

Each correct answer earns one point. Tap “Show answer” when you’re ready to check.

1. 1Which imaginary line divides Earth into Northern and Southern hemispheres?

   1. A Tropic of Capricorn
   2. B Prime meridian
   3. C Equator
   4. D International Date Line
   Show answer

   C. Equator

   The equator marks zero degrees of latitude.

2. 2At either geographic pole, what is the magnitude of latitude?

   1. A 180 degrees
   2. B 45 degrees
   3. C 30 degrees
   4. D 90 degrees
   Show answer

   D. 90 degrees

   Latitude reaches 90 degrees north or south at the poles.

3. 3What coordinate measures position east or west of the prime meridian?

   Short answer

   Show answer

   Longitude

   Longitude and latitude work together to describe a location.

4. 4The historic prime meridian passes through which London district?

   1. A Camden
   2. B Chelsea
   3. C Greenwich
   4. D Wimbledon
   Show answer

   C. Greenwich

   Greenwich's Royal Observatory established the historic reference meridian.

5. 5Lines of equal elevation on a topographic map are called what?

   1. A Fault blocks
   2. B Time zones
   3. C Trade routes
   4. D Contour lines
   Show answer

   D. Contour lines

   A contour connects places at the same height above a reference level.

6. 6A map's scale compares real-world distance to what?

   1. A Distance on the map
   2. B The weather forecast
   3. C The age of a city
   4. D The number of languages
   Show answer

   A. Distance on the map

   Scale lets a small drawing represent much larger distances.

7. 7What part of a map explains its symbols?

   1. A Equator
   2. B Legend or key
   3. C Compass needle
   4. D Horizon
   Show answer

   B. Legend or key

   The key explains the meanings of colors and symbols.

8. 8On a conventional compass, which direction lies opposite east?

   Short answer

   Show answer

   West

   East and west are opposite points on the compass.

9. 9Which map projection is famous for making high-latitude land look enlarged?

   1. A A relief model
   2. B An equal-area projection
   3. C Mercator
   4. D A globe
   Show answer

   C. Mercator

   Mercator preserves local angles but greatly exaggerates areas near the poles.

10. 10What is a book or collection of maps called?

    1. A Gazette
    2. B Atlas
    3. C Almanac
    4. D Itinerary
    Show answer

    B. Atlas

    An atlas brings maps together for comparison and reference.