UPS
(Universal Polar Stereographic): A
common map projection and
grid system for the
polar regions (poleward of 80°S and of 84°N) that is used in
conjunction with the Universal Transverse Mercator grid.
UTM
(Universal Transverse Mercator): A
common map projection and
grid system for the part
of the Earth's surface between 84°N and 80°S that is widely used
for topographic maps,
air (aerial) photography, and
satellite images. It divides this area into 1200 zones (each
identified by a unique number-letter code, such as 28M) that are
further subdivided and coded.
Variation: See 'Declination.'
Watershed: The area that a certain river or lake and all its
tributaries drain.
Visual approximation: This is a process where map readers
or mapmakers make an approximation of a position of an object –
or important feature, or an area of the object – just by looking
at the feature on the map and plotting that feature digitally in
relation to other existing features. It also refers to mapping
of the new objects by mentally deducing the position and size of
the object in relation to mapped features.
Waypoint: A surveying term used to
describe a 'position fix' (the coordinates) of a place,
especially if determined through the use of a
GPS
receiver. The waypoints in any given surveying project are
sequentially numbered.
Adapted with
permission from: Flavelle, A. 2002.
Mapping our Land
