G10 - Understanding maps

Understanding maps

Milos Vidosavljevic

Geography Teacher

SAIS - UAQ - UAE ​

Lesson objectives:

- I can define maps

- I can identify the main features on the map

- I can identify different map types

Open Ended

Brainstorming: Why maps are important?

The main map features are:

- Map title

- Key / Legend

- Map locator

- Map scale

- Global Grid

- Compass rose

- Inset map

Map title

is an element in a Map layout that describes the theme or subject of a map.

Map Key / Legend

The key explains the symbols while the legend holds the key and other information.

Locator map

A locator map sometimes referred to simply as a locator, is typically a simple map used in cartography to show the location of a particular geographic area within its larger area.

Map scale

used to measure distances on ground by using maps

The Global Grid

The global grid system uses both the parallels of latitude and the meridian of longitude to pinpoint locations on Earth.

Compass rose

A compass rose is a figure on a compass, map, nautical chart, or monument used to display the orientation of the cardinal directions (north, east, south, and west) and their intermediate points.

Inset map

An inset map is a smaller map featured on the same page as the main map. Traditionally, inset maps are shown at a larger scale (smaller area) than the main map.

Multiple Choice

Lines of latitude and longitude are used to together to find a location. These parallels and meridians together are called a ____________________________.

• Mess of Lines
• Geographic Grid
• Physical Map
• Globe

Multiple Choice

The title of a map tells us:

• What the map is about (the topic of the map)

• The distance the map covers

• The name of the cartogtrpaher

• That Mr. Scully is the bomb-diggity

Multiple Choice

Which map element tells us the cardinal and intermediate directions?

• Scale
• Title
• Compass Rose
• Legend

Multiple Choice

You can use a scale on a map to:

• Find out how much the map weighs
• Determine the distance from one point to another
• Understand the meaning of the map's symbols
• Dance the night away

Multiple Choice

The purpose of a map legend (or key) is:

• To explain the history of the map 
• To figure out the distance from one place to another
• To identify the meaning of symbols on the map
• To shampoo your hair, rinse, and repeat

​Map types

Political map

Political Map of the World showing independent states and borders between them.

Physical map

are designed to show the natural landscape features of Earth.

Draw

Draw a mental map of your neighborhood. Provide some of the map features for better understanding of your map.

Multiple Choice

Political Maps show:

• The features people have created, such as cities, states, provinces, territories, and countries.

• Landforms and bodies of water found in particular areas

• Certain information (climate, population, languages, etc.) about a place or region

• Directions to making sense of politics

Multiple Choice

Physical Maps show:

• The features people have created, such as cities, states, provinces, territories, and countries.

• Landforms and bodies of water found in particular areas

• Certain information (climate, population, languages, etc.) about a place or region

• Directions to PE class

Open Ended

Exit ticket:

1. What is a map?

2. What is the importance of map features (elements)?