Map and Globe Skills

Essential Map Elements & Common Types of Maps

Map Title All maps must have a All maps must have a title that tells the reader what the subject of the map is.

Map Key A map key is essential A map key is essential because it explains to because it explains to the reader what the symbols on the map represent.

Scale Maps must have a scale to help the reader know what the distances on the map represent in real life.

Compass Rose A compass rose serves to orient the map reader. A compass rose serves to orient the map reader.

North, south, east, and west are called cardinal directions.

All points in between the cardinal directions are called intermediate directions (northwest, northeast, southwest, and southeast). All points in between the cardinal directions are called intermediate directions (northwest, northeast, southwest, and southeast).

Types of Maps There are many different types of maps, but the ones used most often are physical, political, historical, resource, product, and economic. There are many different types of maps, but the ones used most often are physical, political, historical, resource, product, and economic.

Physical Maps Physical maps show landforms and use color to show elevation. Physical maps show landforms and use color to show elevation.

Political Maps Political maps show political boundaries between countries, states, etc. Political maps show political boundaries between countries, states, etc.

Historical Maps Historical maps show how a country or region has changed over time.

Resource Maps Resource maps show the natural resources found in a country or region.

Product Maps Product maps show what a country or region produces using their natural resources. Product maps show what a country or region produces using their natural resources.

Economic Maps Economic maps show the distribution of economic activities and products in a country or region. Economic maps show the distribution of economic activities and products in a country or region.

Now turn to your neighbor and identify three reasons you might consult a map for information. What type of map would you use? Now turn to your neighbor and identify three reasons you might consult a map for information. What type of map would you use?

Relative and Absolute Location

Relative Location The location of a place as given in terms of its position relative to another place.

Absolute Location Location of a place given in terms of its latitude and longitude.

Latitude Horizontal lines that measure distance north or south of the earth's equator in degrees. Horizontal lines that measure distance north or south of the earth's equator in degrees.

Longitude Vertical lines that measure distance east and west of the Prime Meridian in degrees. Vertical lines that measure distance east and west of the Prime Meridian in degrees.

Equator Measured as zero degrees latitude, it is the imaginary line that separates the northern and southern hemispheres of the earth. Measured as zero degrees latitude, it is the imaginary line that separates the northern and southern hemispheres of the earth.

Prime Meridian The Prime Meridian is the starting point for measuring longitude. Passing through Greenwich, England, it is measured as zero degrees longitude. The Prime Meridian is the starting point for measuring longitude. Passing through Greenwich, England, it is measured as zero degrees longitude.

Your Turn!! CATCH A THEIF Vince Fast has stolen the top secret recipe to Coca-Cola. He stole the formula from the Coke Museum in Atlanta and somehow managed to escape without being detected by the sophisticated security system. The GBI (Georgia Bureau of Investigation) has assigned you the task of tracking him down and bringing him to justice. Vince Fast has stolen the top secret recipe to Coca-Cola. He stole the formula from the Coke Museum in Atlanta and somehow managed to escape without being detected by the sophisticated security system. The GBI (Georgia Bureau of Investigation) has assigned you the task of tracking him down and bringing him to justice. Vince is very sneaky and uses a variety of vehicles to travel around the state of Georgia. All we have to go on is the list of the coordinates of the cities and locations he went through. The last city is his current location. If you are the first to track Vince through all of the cities and successfully determine what city he is currently in, you will receive the reward. Good luck! Vince is very sneaky and uses a variety of vehicles to travel around the state of Georgia. All we have to go on is the list of the coordinates of the cities and locations he went through. The last city is his current location. If you are the first to track Vince through all of the cities and successfully determine what city he is currently in, you will receive the reward. Good luck!

Vince’s Coordinates 1. 34N, 84W (Major City) 2. 31N, 82 W (Physical Feature) 3.33N, 82W (City) N, 85 W (Physical Feature) 5. 34N, 83W (Major University) Sooo…. Where is Vince? Now come up with 5 of your own. They can be cities, counties, or landmarks around the state. You will quiz your partner when finished!