The glossary below consists of terms used in the standard background pages and easy background pages.
application | app
A computer programme that performs a special function.
ancestry
An ancestor is a person from whom one is descended or who lived in the past. The line of people from whom a person descends is referred to as their ancestry.
archaeologist
A person who studies human history and prehistory through the excavation of sites and the analysis of artefacts and other physical remains.
cartography
The process of drawing or making maps.
co-ordinates
Group of numbers used to show a position.
culture
A pattern of behavior shared by a society, or group of people. Many different things make up a society's culture. These things include food, language, clothing, tools, music, arts, customs, beliefs, and religion.
data
A group of facts, for example numbers, words, measurements, or records of what we see.
geography
The study of the physical features of the Earth and its atmosphere, and of human activity as it affects and is affected by these.
geospatial data
Data or information about the location of specific things.
GIS
Geographic Information Systems - maps that combine sets of information.
GPS
Global Positioning System - uses the known distance between satellites to calculate exact locations.
heritage
Features belonging to the culture of a particular society, such as traditions, languages, or buildings, that were created in the past and are still important.
latitude
Distance from the equator in degrees, shown as horizontal lines on a map.
longitude
Distance east or west from Greenwich, England, in degrees shown as vertical lines on a map.
map
A drawing or other representation, usually on a flat surface, of all or part of the earth's surface, ordinarily showing countries, bodies of water, cities, mountains etc.
satellites
Objects which are sent into space to orbit the Earth and send and receive information.
software
Programmes used by a computer.
surveyors
People who specialise in making accurate measurements on the surface of the earth to make maps.
topographic map
Shows the shape of the surface, including altitude as well as natural and physical features - sometimes called a contour map.
tūrangawaewae
'A place to stand'. Places where we feel especially empowered and connected.
virtual
Not physically existing but made by software to show as if it is.
