Map Basics

What is a map? n “A graphic depiction of all or part of a geographic realm in which the real-world features have been replaced by symbols in their correct spatial location at a reduced scale.” power line

The Parts of a Map: Map Elements The United States of America Alaska Lambert Conformal Conic Projection Source: U.S. Dept. of State hundreds of kilometers Washington,D.C. National Capital Legend Scale Credits North Arrow Place nameInset Ground Figure Neat line BorderTitle Hawaii

Cartographic Elements (1) n Border n Neatline n Insets –Scale up –Scale down n Metadata e.g. index n Off-map references

Cartographic Elements (2) n Page coordinates n Ground elements n Graticule/Grid n North arrow

Cartographic Elements (3) n Figure n Point/Line/Area symbols n Text n Place Names n Title

Cartographic Elements (4) n Reference Information n Scale n Projection(s) n Sources (2) n Credits n Legend n Reliability