Map Essentials: Parts of a Map

1. Title Simply and clearly states the map’s purpose.

Physical Map of the World

Political Map of the U.S.

Wild Waves and Enchanted Village

What would you title this map? Think About It. What would you title this map?

2. Compass Gives the reader the direction of the map -A compass rose shows the cardinal directions: North, East, South, West -Some will also show the intermediate directions: Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest

Think About It. Let’s think of a way to remember the four cardinal directions We will remember them in order, beginning with North and continue clockwise. NEVER EAT WHEATIES SOGGY

3. Map Key/Symbols Symbols stand for objects on a map. A map key tells the reader what each symbol represents Mountains Forest Capital City River Road

Map Key/Symbols, continued - The symbols fit into the Map Key, or legend.

Think About It. What type of symbols do you think would be helpful on a map of a zoo?

4. Scale Helps make the map accurate by showing how actual size compares to the drawn size Scales are used on maps to measure distance.

Think About It. Why do mapmakers draw things smaller than they really are? How does a scale help us to read and understand a map?

5. Grid Helps identify the location of a point or place on a map. -latitude and longitude -plot map (alphabet/numbers)

Think About It. Name two reasons why grids are useful

6. Border Defines the edge of the map

Why do mapmakers use borders? Think About It. Why do mapmakers use borders?