Interpreting maps
- 2. What are Maps? • Maps are Defined as: – A diagrammatic representation of an area of land or sea showing physical features, cities, roads, etc. • “Dia” Picture • “Gram” Something Written • “Diagrammatic” a Picture that explains rather than represents
- 3. Characteristics of Maps • Two dimensional • Usually only shows parts of the Earth’s surface
- 4. Parts of a Map • Maps all have certain elements that are important when you read them. • These elements allow you to understand what is being measured and how it is being measured. • Time • Orientation • Date • Author • Legend • Scale • Symbols • Index • Grid
- 5. • The Title tells you the subject of the map. Gives you insight into what information the map will convey.
- 6. • Orientation/Compass Rose- tells you where North is on a map (then you can figure out the other directions) unless otherwise specified North is always up.
- 7. • Date – when the map was published or – time span represented on map *Important for accuracy of changing information.
- 8. • The Author tells you who developed and published the map.
- 9. • The Legend or Key explains what colors or symbols mean. • Symbols are normally present in the legend/key . They represent information such as capital cities, natural resources or economic activities.
- 10. • Scale tells you the ratio of distance between things on a map to the actual, real-life distance between things.
- 11. • The Index is a list of names of places listed in alphabetical order that correspond to an alpha-numeric area on a grid.
- 12. • Grid- a set of horizontal and vertical lines meant to identify location. *can be alpha-numeric (think BATTLESHIP) or the lines of latitude and longitude
- 13. What color represents the highest elevation? What color represents the lowest elevation? Where did you look to figure this out?
- 14. What continent does this map show? Where did you look to figure this out?
- 15. How would you figure out the distance between LA and Boston? Where would you look and how would you figure this out?
- 16. What would you use to determine the absolute location of Cape Town, South Africa? Why would you use this?