1. Geography and Map Skills Handbook
Section 2
Building Map Skills

2. Parts of Maps
There are many different types of maps and a variety of uses for them
One very important thing about maps is the ability to read them properly
In order to do this, we must learn about the parts of maps
Always read the title of the map, it will be a good clue as to what can be found on the map

3. Map Key
The map key is like a decoder for the map, it tells what all the symbols represent to help you understand the map

4. Compass Rose Knowing the directions of a map is very important
The compass rose tells the cardinal directions of the map(north, south, east, and west)
A compass rose may also show intermediate directions like southwest, northeast, etc.

5. Scale
A measuring line or scale bar allows you to find distance on a map
On a map, measurements like 1 inch or 3cm are used to represent distances on the earth
Different maps will use different scales depending on what the map is of
If you are trying to compare different areas they need to be in the same scale

6. Compass rose and map scale

7. Political Maps
Maps that show general information are called general purpose maps: two types are political maps and physical maps
Political maps-show political or human-made boundaries of countries or regions
They show cities and capitals, sometimes roads and other human-made features

8. Political map

9. Physical Maps
Physical maps-show physical features: mountains, rivers, and other natural features
They generally use colors to show different relief or elevations, how tall something is
Other physical maps can show plant life, types of soil, or precipitation

10. Physical map

11. Contour Maps Contour maps are physical maps that show elevation
They do this by a series of lines that connect points of similar elevation
These lines usually form circles or ovals, one inside the other; if the distance between the lines is small the elevation is steep, if there is larger gap between the lines the elevation is more gradual

12. Contour map

13. Special Purpose Maps
Land Use and Resources Maps-show mineral resources, different types of economic activity, crops farmed in certain areas
Some can be very limited and only show small areas; local town maps, amusement parks, malls
Others can show limited features over the entire world; religions, populations

14. Special Purpose maps

15. Special Purpose map

16. Geological Maps
Geological maps-show features that can’t always be seen, like fault lines or earthquake zones
These can explain the structure of the earth and be very helpful when compared to other maps

17. Geological map

18. Population Density Maps and Climate Maps
Population density maps-shows the average number of people living in a given area
Climate maps-show climates of different areas
With these maps we can see what areas have similar climates around the world and what areas make up the different climate regions

19. Population Density Map

20. Climate Map