Understanding Geography and Maps

Front

Legend (Map Key)

Back

symbols and colors on a map that provide information.

Front

Scale (on a map)

Back

Used to represent the distance between two points on a map.

Front

Compass Rose

Back

showing directions (N, S, E, W)

Front

Latitude

Back

lines running east-west, measure north-south

Front

Longitude

Back

lines running north-south, measure east-west

Front

Political Map

Back

boundaries, cities, countries

Front

Physical Map

Back

landforms like mountains, rivers, deserts

Front

Topographic Map

Back

contour lines to show elevation

Front

Thematic Map

Back

on a specific topic or theme

Front

Map Grid

Back

system of intersecting lines to locate places