Map Skills

Parts of a Map Title Legend/Key Scale Compass Rose Which one of the above is missing from this map?

Title – explains the area/type of map

Legend/Key – explains the symbols on the map

Scale – tells the size of the map in relation to the size of the real world – Can you walk the length of the large island in 4, 10, or 25 hours?

Compass Rose – shows directions North South East West Often, only North is shown

Global Grid The Grid Latitude/Parallels Longitude/Meridians Equator Prime Meridian

The Grid – Taken together, latitude and longitude lines form a grid. – Every place on Earth has a unique position on this grid, like a street address.

Latitude/parallels – Imaginary lines that run parallel to the equator – “latitude=ladder”

Longitude/Merid- ians – Imaginary lines that run from pole to pole crossing the lines of latitude – “Longitude=long hair”

Equator – Line of latitude midway between the north and south poles

Prime Meridian – Line of longitude at 0 degrees that runs through Greenwich, England

Types of Maps Physical Political Special purpose – Climate – Economic – Resources – Etc.

Physical maps – Show physical features including mountains, rivers, lakes, etc.

Political maps – Show political features such as state and national boundaries, capital cities, etc.

Special Purpose Maps – Climate Shows general temp. & precipitation patterns – Economic Show major economic activity such as farming and industry – Resources show the natural resources such as coal and oil – Etc. Shows endless choices

More Special Purpose Maps

Map Skills Practice

Chart & Graph Practice