Parts of a Map Vocab

Front

What does the map indicate?

Back

Title

Front

Helps match map directions to actual Earth directions.

Back

Compass Rose

Front

Four main parts of a compass: north, south, east, west

Back

Cardinal Directions

Front

Points between cardinal directions: NW, NE, SW, SE

Back

Intermediate Directions

Front

Pictures on a map that represent real-world objects

Back

Symbols

Front

Symbols on a map's meaning, usually in a box at the corner.

Back

Map Key (Legend)

Front

Distance comparison on a map vs. real life

Back

Scale

Front

Scale using a straight line, resembles a ruler

Back

Linear Scale

Front

Scale using words (e.g., 1 inch = 5 miles)

Back

Word Scale

Front

Helps find a place quickly; grid divides map into spaces - rows side to side, columns top to bottom.

Back

Coordinate Grid