Map Skills SOL USI.1f&g

Map Vocabulary A GLOBE is a scale model of the earth. A MAP is a flat diagram of all or part of the earth’s surface. An ATLAS is an organized collection of maps in one book.

Reading A Map The pattern of imaginary lines that circle the earth is called a GRID. Where these imaginary lines meet helps us to locate places on earth. Some mapmakers label the lines with letters and numbers. The grid on many maps is made up of lines of LATITUDE and LONGITUDE.

Map Grid Example

Reading A Map Lines of latitude are drawn in an east-west direction and measure distance north and south of the EQUATOR. The equator is an imaginary line that circles the globe halfway between the North Pole and the South Pole. Lines of latitude are called PARALLELS because they are always parallel to the equator.

Lines of Latitude

Parallels north of the equator are labeled with an N. Parallels south of the equator are labeled with an S. The parallel at 0° is the equator. The parallel at 90° N is the North Pole. The parallel at 90° S is the South Pole.

Lines of Latitude

Reading A Map Lines of longitude run north to south and measure distance east and west of the PRIME MERIDIAN. The prime meridian is an imaginary line that runs through Greenwich, England from the North Pole to the South Pole. Lines of longitude are called MERIDIANS.

Lines of Longitude

Lines of longitude range from 0° on the prime meridian to 180° on a meridian in the mid- Pacific Ocean. Meridians west of the prime meridian to 180° are labeled with a W. Meridians east of the prime meridian to 180° are labeled with an E.

Lines of Longitude

Common Map Elements DIRECTIONAL INDICATOR: shows which directions are north, south, east, and west. Some mapmakers use a “north arrow” pointing to the North Pole Many maps indicate direction by using a COMPASS ROSE that includes arrows that point to all four principal directions

Common Map Elements SCALES: mapmakers use scales to represent distances between points on a map. Scales usually give distances in miles and kilometers (km) LEGENDS: (sometimes called a key) explain what the symbols on the map represent.

Types of Maps POLITICAL MAPS: show the political boundaries of countries, states, and cities. These boundaries are created by PEOPLE. Natural boundaries, like rivers and mountain ranges are often used to draw the borders of countries, states, and cities.

Political Map Example

Types of Maps PHYSICAL MAPS: show physical features like rivers, lakes, and mountain ranges.

Types of Maps CLIMATE MAPS: show dominant weather patterns in certain areas.

Types of Maps POPULATION MAPS: show where people live in a particular region and how crowded regions are.

Types of Maps ECONOMIC MAPS: show the important resources of a region.

Types of Maps HISTORICAL MAPS: use colors and symbols to show important events and places.

Identify the Map Type