1. Map Elements

2. Grid System

3. Latitude and Longitude
The earth is divided into imaginary lines called latitude and longitude.

4. Lines
The lines measure distances in degrees.
Longitude
Latitude

5. Latitude Lines
Also called parallels (same distance apart and never cross each other)
Latitude lines run east and west.
Example: Equator 0˚
Latitude

6. Where is 0 degree? Equator The equator is 0 degree latitude.
It is an imaginary belt that runs halfway point between the North Pole and the South Pole.
Equator

7. Longitude Lines
Are not parallel; they meet at the North and South Poles
Longitude lines run north and south.
Example: Prime Meridian 0˚
Longitude

8. P R I M E D A N
Where is 0 degree?
The prime meridian is 0 degrees longitude. This imaginary line runs through the United Kingdom, France, Spain, western Africa, and Antarctica.

9. Exact Location
The point where the lines of latitude and longitude cross each other can be used to identify an exact location.
Example: 30˚N and 90˚W =
New Orleans

11. Latitude and Longitude Resources
Latitude & Longitude Activity
A Printable Latitude & Longitude Map of the World
Latitude & Longitude Map Making
Latitude and Longitude Quiz

12. Scale Distance is the space between two things or places.
Since maps are smaller than the places they show, distances on a map are different from what they are in reality.

13. Scale

14. Scale Use directions to locate places on a map.
Use a map scale to find distances between places.
The measurement on a map scale can represent a different measurement
Example: 1 inch = 1 mile

15. Reading Map Scales Find the scale
Use a ruler or a piece of paper to measure the distance between the two points.
Do the math!
Example: scale 1 inch= 5 miles
The distance measured 2 inches
5 miles x 2 inches = 10 miles
Be sure to write down your measurement!
Example: miles, feet, yards

16. Finding Map Scales
On globes
On maps

17. Time Zones
The Earth is divided into 24 time zones, corresponding to 24 hours in a day.
As the earth rotates, the sun shines in different areas, moving from east to west during the course of a day.
Places that have the same longitude will be in the same time zone.

19. Map Legends
The legend is the key to unlocking the secrets of a map. Objects or colors in the legend represent something on the map.
Religions Legend

20. Can you understand this legend?

21. Age Expectancy
Legend

22. Additional Sources Atlas - World (Holt, Rinehart and Winston)
Outline Map of US
Map Packet Download
Maps.com
National Geographic Xpeditions
Maps & Globes