JROTC Introduction to Maps

5 Objectives Geography and Earth Science Introduction to Maps Unit Geography and Earth Science Introduction to Maps Objectives Define map Identify symbols, colors, and features on standard road maps Identify locations on a city and state map Communicate directions to specified sites using a city and state map Chapter 2: Maps, Map Reading, and Land Navigation Lesson 1: Introduction to Maps

INTRODUCTION TO MAPS PURPOSE Reading a Map will strengthen your awareness of the world around you Need a basic understanding of them, their scales, symbols, and colors Orient a map by matching manmade or natural features with map symbols

DEFINITION OF A MAP AND MAP READING A map is a line drawing of a portion of the earth’s surface, as seen from above. Maps are drawn “to scale”. Set measurement on the scale representing a set amount of the earth’s surface.

Types of Map city or state road maps geographic maps/atlases topographic maps

City or State Road Maps Provide information: Street names Important buildings Route numbers Distance Recreational or historical areas

ROAD MAPS

Geographic Maps / Atlas Overall view of the mapped area in relation to climate, population, relief, and/or vegetation Atlas is a collection of geographic maps of regions, countries, continents, or the world Not as accurate as city or state maps.

Topographic Map Show terrain and landforms Show elevations of these features Elevation is normally indicated by contour lines or changes in color Most commonly used in the military.

Map Margin Information Instructions on a map Outer edge of a map Maps are not the same Read the marginal information carefully every time you use a different map

Bar Scales Bar scales are special rulers used to measure ground distance on a map Scales may vary with each map (miles and kilometers)

Legend Illustrating and identifying mapped features using symbols These symbols are not the same on every road map.

Map Symbols Mapmakers use symbols to represent map features Made to look as closely as possible like the actual features The legend indicates the meanings of the symbols that are used on a map

Common Symbols Roads: Indicated by parallel or solid lines. Thickness and color of these symbols indicate the road size. Interchanges: Indicated by a heavy solid line for major access roads and parallel lines for intersecting secondary roads. Legends also illustrate full, partial, and no access at these interchanges. Railroads: Commonly shown by single or parallel lines with horizontal tick marks. Water Features: Normally shown in blue and take the approximate shape of the feature.

Common Symbols Buildings: Vary from map to map according to the purpose of the map or building. Schools and churches are commonly represented by a solid square with a flag or cross Hospitals may be shown by a cross Universities and colleges may have a special symbol Points of Interest: Indicated by a special marking and its name; for example, a historical marker. Airports: Normally shown by a picture of an airplane.

MAP COLORS Map symbols are usually printed in different colors with each color identifying a class of features. Colors may vary from one map to another. Mapmakers indicate these colors and their uses in the marginal information

Map Colors Basic colors used on most road maps Black: Indicates the majority of man-made features: buildings or roads. Blue: Identifies water features: lakes, swamps, or rivers. Brown: Identifies elevation and relief features: mountain ranges. Green: Identifies vegetation: woods, grassland, brush, orchards, or vineyards Red: Classifies man-made features: populated areas, main roads, special features, or boundaries on older maps

Orienting a Map Finding your way requires the ability to read and interpret a map, compare it to the features on the ground, and move to the desired location. Comparing your map to the ground is to orient it so that the map symbols fit the terrain and landmarks as they appear on the ground. A properly oriented map can also indicate direction

Orient your Map Determine your location using at least two known points. Bridge / park entrance / river Locate these same features on your map. Rotated map until the symbol for the river points in the same direction as the river in front of you Ensure that the park entrance is correctly aligned. Check to see if the map symbol for the park entrance is on the right side of the road

ROAD MAPS DIRECTIONS PLEASE

Write Format & brief your route accordingly Start at _______________ (Town Name) Head (N, S, E, W or combo) to (Town Name) along Route/HWY (Number) Repeat as required Arrive at _______________ (Town Name) Write Format & brief your route accordingly Team 1: Conasauga to La Follette Team 7: Maryville to Greer Team 2: Hendersonville to Lake City Team 8: Oneida to Erwin Team 3: Elizabethton to Sylva Team 9: Rockwood to Brevard Team 4: Franklin to Morristown Team 5: Asheville to Jamestown Team 6: Clarksrange to Spruce Pine