Glossary for Geospatial Science

graticule:  A network of parallels and meridians for equal intervals of latitude and longitude on the earth’s surface.  The form and appearance of a graticule depends on the map projection employed.  The lines comprising a graticule may form a square / rectangular network;  a graticule may also be comprised of two families of curves having variable separation between them.  The mathematical framework of a map is comprised of a grid, or a graticule, or both.  A grid is always comprised of a square network of parallel lines representing particular linear distances on the ground.