Maps 6.G.2.1 Map Skills

Maps can show two types of features: Natural features: Examples – mountains, rivers, elevations, precipitation, temperature Features made by people: Examples: countries, cities, roads, wars, empires Different purposes of maps: A map can have more than one purpose: Political Map – mainly shows cities, countries, or areas with in countries Physical Map – mainly shows natural terrain, such a mountains, rivers, and lakes

Thematic Map – focus on a more specific topic such as rainfall in an area Examples: Hurricane / Storms

Map Skills To Analyze a Map Read the title and get an idea of what it shows Read the key or legend to understand how the map uses symbols and colors. Use the Cartographer’s Tools: Compass rose – shows north, south, east, and west Relative location – where a place is in relation to another place Absolute location – the exact address of a place on the globe.

The scale – helps you estimate distance The scale – helps you estimate distance. It tells how real distance compares with distance on the map. The grid – is a system of map lines to help identify absolute location the exact address of a place on the globe Latitude lines – lines running east and west. Each line is identify by how many degrees Longitude lines – lines running north and south . Each line is identified by how many degrees west or east of the prime meridian Key / Legend – explains the symbols used on the map. The key can also identify special uses of color