Introducing Maps

• Way to represent the world on a flat surface

• Different sizes: represent Earth, a country, a town, a school, etc

• Human-made; perspective of creator, bias

• Representative: some features excluded

Parts of a Map

• Title

• Compass Rose

• Scale

• Key/Legend

• Locator/Inset Map

Title of Map

• May explain purpose of map

Compass Rose

• Indicate Cardinal Directions

Scale Bar

• Shows how to measure distance on map

• EX: one cm represents 100km

Key/Legend

• Explains symbols used

• Explain features of map

• Helps us accurately interpret map

Locator Map/Inset Map

• Shows where the map is in the larger area

• Shows a smaller area in the map

Types: Political Map

• May show cities, capitals, country borders, states/provinces

Types: Physical Map

• Shows geographic features: deserts, rivers, mountains, elevation