ELEMENTS OF MAPS Learning Goal: I can use the specific tools found on a map (direction, scale, legend), as well as identify specific maps and interpret information.

INTERMEDIATE DIRECTIONS COMPASS ROSE AND DIRECTIONS When reading a map it’s always important to know your directions. The Compass Rose is the tool to help you do that. Map directions are broken down into 2 main types; Cardinal Directions and Intermediate Directions CARDINAL DIRECTIONS NORTH (N) SOUTH (S) EAST (E) WEST (W) INTERMEDIATE DIRECTIONS NORTHWEST (NW) NORTHEAST (NE) SOUTHWEST (SW) SOUTHEAST (SE) NW NE W E SW SE S Label the directions on your Compass Rose on your notes. TURN TO PAGE 8 IN YOUR ATLAS: What direction would you be going if you traveled from Rio de Janiero, Brazil to Los Angeles, USA? NORTHWEST (NW)

SCALE Obviously, maps are much, much smaller than the real world land areas. Maps use a tool called a scale to help us determine approximate distance between two places. Scales will be different depending on the specific map being looked at. To determine the distance between places on a map, refer to the scale bar. Maps will include these to show distances in both miles and kilometers. HOW TO USE A SCALE BAR To get the most accurate results it is advised that you use a ruler. Use the placemat map. The scale bar shows the distance for 2000 miles as well as 2000 kilometers. Using your ruler, determine the correct number of inches and centimeters for 2000 miles. 1 ¾ inches = 2000 miles 4.2 cm = 2000 miles (This is very close to 4 cm) 42 mm = 2000 miles (This is very close to 40 mm) Use your ruler to determine the approximate number of miles from Los Angeles to Washington D.C. The actual distance from Los Angeles to Washington D.C is 2,297 miles. How close were you? Scale Bar

LET’S PRACTICE WITH SCALE Turn to page 32-33 in your atlas. Using your ruler and the map scale, your goal is to determine the distance between specific cities within 20 miles of the actual distance. Start by using your ruler to determine which measurement will be easiest to use. According to this scale the following measurements occur: 1 5/8 inch = 300 miles 4 cm = 300 miles 40 mm = 300 miles Which would be the easier to use in this circumstance? PHOENIX TO KANSAS CITY SAN ANTONIO TO SALT LAKE CITY MIAMI TO ATLANTA INDIANAPOLIS TO NEW ORLEANS 1045 MILES 1088 MILES 607 MILES 714 MILES

Map Legends A map legend explains the information shown on the map. The legend unlocks the secrets to any map. The information found in the legend tells you what type of map you’re reading. WORLD RELIGIONS MAP AGE EXPECTANCY MAP What type of map do you think this is? What type of map do you think this is?

LET’S PRACTICE WITH MAP LEGENDS Turn to page 76 in your atlas. Use the map legend to answer the following questions: What type of map is this? ENVIRONMENTS MAP Which environment best describes the majority of the northern regions of Africa? DESERT Which 3 environments are seen mostly on this map? DESERT, FOREST, GRASSLAND WHAT DOES THIS MAP TELL YOU ABOUT THE ENVIROMENTS ON AFRICA?

SPECIFIC TYPES OF MAPS: The two most common types of maps you will see are Physical Maps and Political Maps. In your own words, describe what each type of map shows. Use the maps in your atlas from pages 8-11 to help you form your answer. PHYSICAL MAP POLITICAL MAP

THEMATIC MAPS The map legends help you identify the specific theme for a map. There are many different types of themed maps. USE THE MAPS IN YOUR ATLAS FROM 30-38. List the different thematic maps shown for the USA. United States Physical Map United States Political Map Alaska and Hawaii Physical Map Growth of the United States Indian Reservations of the Continental United States Climate Economies Population Environments Transportation Each of these maps gives different information. On page 9 in your notebook, list each of these maps in the same order. Skip a line in between each. Work with a partner to create a 1 sentence summary explaining what information each of these maps gives.

United States Physical Map: This map shows the geography of the country including land elevation and surrounding water depth. United States Political Map: This map shows the boundaries for different states as well as locations for major cities. Alaska and Hawaii Physical Maps: These maps are similar to the U.S physical map. They are on a different page because these two states are in different geographical locations. Growth of the United States Map: This map shows the United States in 1803 giving information as to when certain states and areas became apart of the country. Indian Reservations of the Continental United States Map: This map shows the locations of Native American reservations throughout the country. Climate Map: This map shows the different climate regions of the United States. The colors indicate different climatic features of the country. Economies Map: This map shows information about economic activities that dominate different regions of the United States. It also gives information comparing the United States production of corn to the rest of the world. Populations Map: This map gives information about the density of population throughout the country. Darker colors indicate more people living within a single square mile or square kilometer. Environments Map: This map shows where different natural environments such as deserts and forests are located throughout the country. Transportation Map: This map shows the major highways network that runs through the United States.