How to Read a Map A Map is a graphic source which shows a place and important information about it. There are many types of maps and they have the same basic type of information. What kinds of information do remember could be on a map?

All maps should have… Titles to tell us what the map is a map of and what is special about it. A Compass Rose to give us the directions on a map. A Key to tell us what the symbols on a map stand for. What are some symbols you may see in a key? A Scale to tell us the distance in miles or kilometers that 1 inch or 1 millimeter is equal to.

Latitude & longitude lines are found on a map. Each location on a map has a latitude and longitude so we can always find it. Which lines go north and south on a map? Latitude or Longitude Which lines go east and west on a map? Latitude or Longitude

What do we call the special line of latitude that cuts the earth into a northern and southern hemisphere? What do we call the special line of longitude that divides the earth into an eastern & western hemisphere? Prime Meridian Equator parallels meridians

There are many types of maps… What is the name of a map that is round like a ball and is on a pole? What do we call a map that shows geographic features of a place? What do we call a map that shows something special about a place like population, or religion? Special purpose map Globe Geographical map

More types of maps… This type of map shows the states in a country or the countries on a continent. This type of map shows how high above or below sea level the land is. This map may show the languages spoken in a place. Language map Political map Elevation map

Do you know… What do map makers use on a map key instead of color when the map is printed in black and white? What is the name of the imaginary pole that runs through the globe? What are the large areas of land masses on a map called? What are the large areas of blue on a map or globe? How much of the earth’s surface is covered with water? Land? 2/3 or 75% 1/3 or 25% Bodies of water Continents Shading/patterns The axis

Can you name the Continents? Majors oceans/seas? Large body of ice at the South Pole? The continent that is a country? Can you find these on a map? The continent you live on The continent of Africa Where you live The axis on a globe

Be sure to study for your map test! Take home your social studies book and review the map section at the front of the text book Take home your review sheet and study from it a little each night Good Luck to you!