How to Read a Map

How to Read a Map

Maps are the basic tools of geography. They enable us to show what is in an area and how they are related in terms of space on paper. There are tools used in mapping which allow a map to be read efficiently and quickly.

How to Read a MapEvery map should have a compass that will tell you

the orientation, one's position in relation to true north, of the map.

Please label the compass on your

world map

How to Read a MapA good map will have a legend or key which

will show what different symbols mean. For instance, a square with a flag on top usually represents a school and roads are represented by a variety of widths and combinations of lines. Often a dashed line represents a border. Note, however, that map symbols used in the United States are often used for different things in other countries.

How to Read a Map

Please label the key or legend on your world map.

How to Read a MapA map represents a portion of the earth's surface.

Since an accurate map represents the land, each map has a "scale" which indicates the relationship between a certain distance on the map and the distance on the ground.

The map scale is usually located in the legend box of a map, which explains the symbols and provides other important information about the map. A map scale can be printed in a variety of ways.

How to Read a Map

Please label the scale on your world map.

How to Read a MapA neat line is the border of a map. It helps to

define the edge of the map area and obviously keeps things looking "neat."

A map's title provides important clues about the cartographer's , or map maker’s, intentions and goals. You can hope to expect entirely different information on a map titled "Unemployment in Jefferson County" versus "Topography of Mount St. Helens."

How to Read a Map

Please label the neat line and title on your world map.

How to Read a Map -PracticeHomeworkMake a map of Weaver

Middle school.

Include:CompassProper OrientationLegend or KeyScaleNeat lineCartographers nameTitle

Make directions of how you get to classes.

Include:Each Class North, south, east,

west, turning directions

Include colored lines on your legend or key

How to Read a Map -PracticePlease mark the due date of your school map

on your planner.