Background

World map knowledge

Some terms related to world maps and MapPlanet need a little explanation. Interactive graphics on the terminator, great circles and the tropics show how they are connected.

Earth & SunThe terminatorDay-night boundary and position of the Sun GeometryGreat circles & distancesShortest routes on the Earth's surface Earth & SunThe tropicsPosition of the Sun and geographic latitude Geometry & natureHexagonsProperties of the MapPlanet hex grid CartographyMap projectionMapping the Earth's surface onto a plane