1. Chapter 1 Section 7 How do you read a map?
Objectives:
Use the scale on a map.
Interpret map symbols.

2. Key Terms
scale: feature that relates distances on a map to actual distances on Earth’s surface
symbol: drawing on a map that represents a real object
legend: list of map symbols and their meanings

3. Showing Direction
Most maps show directions. On most maps, north (N) is at the top of the map. From this you can infer that south (S) is at the bottom, east (E) is to your right, and west (W) is to your left.

4. Showing Direction
Another way of showing direction on a map is using a compass rose. Most places on a map are not exactly north, south, east, or west. The direction between south and west is called southwest (SW). The direction between north and east is called northeast (NE).

5. Showing Direction
A compass rose is a circle divided into eighths. It shows the four directions and directions in between the four.

6. OBSERVE
On a map, what shows the direction?

7. Scale
A map’s scale shows how the distance on a map compares with real distance on Earth’s surface.

8. Map Symbols
Many different symbols are used on maps.

9. Color
Color often has meaning on maps. Black is usually used for anything made by people. Symbols for buildings, railroads, and bridges are colored black. Blue is used to show bodies of water. Forests and parks are green.

10. 2. IDENTIFY
What color would be used to show your school on a map?

11. CHECKING CONCEPTS
The direction northwest would be shown on a map by the letters ___.
The ___ on a map shows distance.
Simple drawings on a map used to show real objects are called ___.
The symbols used on a map are listed in a ___.
A river would most likely be colored ___ on a map.

12. THINKING CRITICALLY 6. CLASSIFY: What types of information do
the scale and the legend on a map provide?
7. MODEL: Draw a simple map of the area
around your school. Include a scale and
legend of all the symbols you think belong
there.