Texas Atlas:
A Geography Handbook
Created by
J Jones
RELATIVE LOCATION
Relative location pinpoints where something is located in relation to something else.. . . The above graphic
shows that Texas is in the south-central part of the United States, east of New Mexico, south
Of Oklahoma, and west of Arkansas and Louisiana . . . I selected it because it was one of the best examples I
could find. . .”
ABSOLUTE LOCATION
Absolute location identifies exactly where something is located on the earth....The above graphic shows exactly where Absolute Storage is located...I selected this graphic because the name of the location has the word
absolute in it which will help me remember the definition of absolute location.
LINES OF LATITUDE
Lines of Latitude are the imaginary lines on a globe that run parallel or north and south of the equator...The
above graphic illustrates a globe and the position of the lines of latitude...I chose this graphic because it
shows how the lines run on a globe...
LINES OF LONGITUDE
Lines of Longitude are a set of imaginary lines that go north and south beginning at the Prime Meridian (0’
degrees) continuing to the other side of earth (180 degrees)...The above graphic shows that these imaginary lines
run up and down around the earth...I selected it because the graphic helps me remember that the lines run east
and west of the prime meridian.
HEMISPHERE
Hemisphere means half sphere. The geographic grid system divides the earth into equal half spheres which are
called hemispheres...The above graphic shows a half sphere...I selected this graphic because it reminds me of
half...
PHYSICAL MAP
Physical map a general-purpose map that shows the natural features of an area...The above graphic is a satellite
image of the earth with Texas outlined...I selected this graphic because it illustrates the natural features of the
earth...
POLITICAL MAP
Political map a general-purpose map that shows recognized boundaries in an area...The above graphic shows the
regional areas of texas...I selected this graphic because it illustrates the vast areas of Texas
SPECIAL PURPOSE MAP
Special-purpose maps—sometimes called thematic maps—show information bout a specific topic. The graphic
above shows the various climates of Texas....I selected the graphic because it illustrates the many types of climates available in Texas...