Cartographic Lexicon

The horizontal angular direction of a compass bearing measured clockwise from true north (0° to 360°).

The measurement of water depth in oceans, seas, or lakes; underwater topography.

An official public register of the quantity, value, and ownership of real estate and land parcels.

A thematic map where geographic areas are colored or patterned in proportion to a statistical variable (e.g. population density).

The mathematical property of a map projection where infinitesimal angles and local shapes are preserved ($a = b$).

The constant vertical difference in elevation between consecutive contour lines on a topographic map.

A technique of rapid, goal-free passage through varied urban atmospheres, conceptualized by Guy Debord to study psychogeography.

A territory entirely surrounded by the territory of another sovereign state (e.g. San Marino, Baarle-Hertog).

The property of a projection where relative areas of all regions across the map are accurately preserved ($a \cdot b = 1$).

The spherical network of parallels of latitude and meridians of longitude on the globe or a map projection.

Short, closely spaced lines drawn in the direction of steepest slope to depict relief, where thicker strokes represent steeper gradients.

A line or polygon connecting points that can be reached from a given origin within an equal amount of travel time.

A navigational curve on the globe crossing all meridians of longitude at the same constant angle.

The circular intersection of a sphere and a plane passing through the sphere's center; represents the shortest distance between two points.

An island that appeared on historical nautical charts for years or centuries before being disproved or deleted.

A mathematical compactness metric measuring the ratio of district area to perimeter squared ($4\pi A / P^2$) to detect gerrymandering.

A Latin legal expression meaning 'nobody's land'; territory not subject to the sovereignty of any state (e.g. Bir Tawil, Marie Byrd Land).

A mathematical tool consisting of an infinitesimal circle on a sphere deformed into an ellipse on a map to measure projection distortion.

The taxonomy, origin, meaning, and geopolitical politics of place names.