Geography and Map Skills Handbook Section 2 Building Map Skills

Parts of Maps There are many different types of maps and a variety of uses for them One very important thing about maps is the ability to read them properly In order to do this, we must learn about the parts of maps Always read the title of the map, it will be a good clue as to what can be found on the map

Map Key The map key is like a decoder for the map, it tells what all the symbols represent to help you understand the map

Compass Rose Knowing the directions of a map is very important The compass rose tells the cardinal directions of the map(north, south, east, and west) A compass rose may also show intermediate directions like southwest, northeast, etc.

Scale A measuring line or scale bar allows you to find distance on a map On a map, measurements like 1 inch or 3cm are used to represent distances on the earth Different maps will use different scales depending on what the map is of If you are trying to compare different areas they need to be in the same scale

Compass rose and map scale

Political Maps Maps that show general information are called general purpose maps: two types are political maps and physical maps Political maps-show political or human-made boundaries of countries or regions They show cities and capitals, sometimes roads and other human-made features

Political map

Physical Maps Physical maps-show physical features: mountains, rivers, and other natural features They generally use colors to show different relief or elevations, how tall something is Other physical maps can show plant life, types of soil, or precipitation

Physical map

Contour Maps Contour maps are physical maps that show elevation They do this by a series of lines that connect points of similar elevation These lines usually form circles or ovals, one inside the other; if the distance between the lines is small the elevation is steep, if there is larger gap between the lines the elevation is more gradual

Contour map

Special Purpose Maps Land Use and Resources Maps-show mineral resources, different types of economic activity, crops farmed in certain areas Some can be very limited and only show small areas; local town maps, amusement parks, malls Others can show limited features over the entire world; religions, populations

Special Purpose maps

Special Purpose map

Geological Maps Geological maps-show features that can’t always be seen, like fault lines or earthquake zones These can explain the structure of the earth and be very helpful when compared to other maps

Geological map

Population Density Maps and Climate Maps Population density maps-shows the average number of people living in a given area Climate maps-show climates of different areas With these maps we can see what areas have similar climates around the world and what areas make up the different climate regions

Population Density Map

Climate Map