Maps and Map Skills U.S./World History

What is a map? A map is a two dimensional graphic representation of a part or all of the Earth’s surface. A map is a two dimensional graphic representation of a part or all of the Earth’s surface. Shows us physical and political features of the Earth. Shows us physical and political features of the Earth. Can also show us information such as population density or climate. Can also show us information such as population density or climate.

Scale of a Map Different maps have different scales. Different maps have different scales. For example, we wouldn’t use a map of the U.S. to find a point in Atlanta. For example, we wouldn’t use a map of the U.S. to find a point in Atlanta. As we zoom in, scale becomes larger. As we zoom in, scale becomes larger.

Important Parts of a Map Compass Rose- shows direction on a map. Compass Rose- shows direction on a map. Scale- shows what a distance on a map is actually equal to on Earth. Scale- shows what a distance on a map is actually equal to on Earth. Key- tells us what different symbols, colors and lines on a map mean. Key- tells us what different symbols, colors and lines on a map mean.

Map Projections Map projections are ways of showing a round Earth on a flat map. Map projections are ways of showing a round Earth on a flat map. There is no perfect map…all flat maps distort the Earth in some way. There is no perfect map…all flat maps distort the Earth in some way. Distortions may include: change in shape, change of distance, change in size, change in direction. Distortions may include: change in shape, change of distance, change in size, change in direction.

The Globe

Mercator Projection

Robinson Projection

Interrupted Projection

Different Types of Maps Physical Maps Physical Maps Shows features such as mountains, plains, rivers and oceans. Shows features such as mountains, plains, rivers and oceans. Focus is on natural features and not cities, countries, and borders. Focus is on natural features and not cities, countries, and borders. I see the Alps Mts. but have no idea where Paris is. I see the Alps Mts. but have no idea where Paris is.

Different Types of Maps Political Maps Political Maps The focus is on cities, countries, states, and borders. The focus is on cities, countries, states, and borders. I see France but where is the Danube River? I see France but where is the Danube River?

Different Types of Maps Thematic/ Special Purpose Map Thematic/ Special Purpose Map These maps focus on specific information such as population density or resource distribution. These maps focus on specific information such as population density or resource distribution. I see that there is a low risk of forest fires in Ireland, but what ocean is Ireland surrounded by? I see that there is a low risk of forest fires in Ireland, but what ocean is Ireland surrounded by?

Different Types of Maps Historical Maps Historical Maps Shows how a certain area has changed over time. Shows how a certain area has changed over time. Shows what a certain area used to look like. Shows what a certain area used to look like. I see the Holy Roman Empire, but where’s Germany? I see the Holy Roman Empire, but where’s Germany?

Different Types of Maps The Globe The Globe A globe is the most accurate representation of the Earth because it is round like the Earth.A globe is the most accurate representation of the Earth because it is round like the Earth. A globe shows us the truest sizes of land and bodies of water.A globe shows us the truest sizes of land and bodies of water.