B220 words · Upper-intermediate

Finding Your Way vocabulary — B2

Map-reading vocabulary for reading a map properly, including scale, coordinates and a reference point, plus a signpost, a shortcut and a cul-de-sac.

20 questions

Words in this set

atlas
/ˈætləs/
A book of maps of countries, cities and oceans, bound together.
Example: She pulled a dusty atlas off the shelf to find Peru.
scale
/skeɪl/
The relation between a length on a map and the real length on the ground.
Example: Check the scale before you guess how far it is.
coordinates
/koʊˈɔrdənəts/
A pair of numbers that show the exact position of a place on a map.
Example: She typed the coordinates into her phone's map app.
topographical
Relating to the physical features of an area, like hills and rivers.
Example: Hikers should carry a detailed topographical map.
cartographer
A person who makes maps.
Example: The old map was drawn by a skilled cartographer.
projection
/prəˈdʒɛkʃən/
A method of showing the curved surface of the Earth on a flat map.
Example: This world map uses a different projection to the usual one.
reference point
A fixed spot used to measure or compare positions.
Example: Use the church tower as a reference point.
relief
/rɪˈlif/
The differences in height of the land in an area.
Example: The map's shading shows the relief of the mountains.
satellite imagery
Pictures of the Earth's surface taken from cameras in space.
Example: Farmers now use satellite imagery to check their fields.
digitised
Converted into a computer-readable form instead of paper.
Example: The old paper maps have all been digitised.
shortcut
/ˈʃɔrtˌkʌt/
A quicker way to get somewhere than the usual road or path.
Example: We took a shortcut through the park and arrived early.
signpost
/ˈsaɪnˌpoʊst/
A tall post beside a road with flat arms pointing the way to nearby places.
Example: Follow the wooden signpost towards the waterfall.
turning
/ˈtɜrnɪŋ/
A side road leading off the one you are driving along.
Example: Take the second turning after the church.
cul-de-sac
/ˈkʌldɪˌsæk/
A street that is closed at one end, with only one way in or out.
Example: Their house is on a quiet cul-de-sac.
backtrack
/ˈbækˌtræk/
To go back along the same route you just came from.
Example: We had to backtrack after taking a wrong turning.
retrace
/riˈtreɪs/
To travel back over the same route you have just taken.
Example: She had to retrace her steps to find her lost phone.
orientation
/ˌɔriɛnˈteɪʃən/
A sense of knowing where you are and which direction to go.
Example: I completely lost my orientation inside the huge shopping mall.
disoriented
/dɪˈsɔriˌɛntɪd/
Confused about where you are or which way to go.
Example: He felt completely disoriented after leaving the crowded station.
pedestrianised
Closed to cars and open only to people walking.
Example: The city centre becomes fully pedestrianised on weekends.
bypass
/ˈbaɪˌpæs/
A road built to go around a busy town instead of through it.
Example: Take the bypass to avoid the town centre traffic.